Day Trips
Echo Lake Hike

echo lake hike moderate overlook

Moderate/Challenging 10.5 Mile Catskills Hike!

Hike through the balsam forests and exposed bedrock of Overlook Mountain Wild Forest, gaining 1,300 feet in elevation to reach its peak at 3,140 feet. This hike is one of the most interesting in the Catskills because of its rocky formations, unique wildlife, and red oak forests. Before reaching the summit, you will pass by the ruins of the Overlook Mountain House, an old hotel, built circa 1870, which after burning to the ground twice, was rebuilt and then abandoned to looters.

Overlook Mountain, throughout the 19th Century was the focus of the many famous works by artists from the Hudson River School and as you hike you will begin to understand why. The peak of Overlook Mountain offers amazing views of the Hudson River valley, the Ashokan Reservoir and the Devil’s Path from atop a 60 foot fire tower, which has stood on the peak since 1950 and is one of only five towers remaining in the Catskill Park. The summit is also comprised of open ledges which offer a spectacular view of the Hudson Valley abruptly changing into the Catskill Mountains. You can begin to see from here the entire geologic history of the range.

Descending the mountain, we will stop for lunch at Echo Lake, a coldwater pond stocked with Brook Trout. The Catskills are known for these clean, clear ponds, which are excellent for fishing because of their isolation from development. Relax here, nap in the sun or, in the summer, take a refreshing dip in the lake.

Event Intensity Level

This hike is Intensity Level 3-4. Read a full description of all levels.

echo lake moderate hike overlook

Event details

  • Bring Lunch, 2 liters water (minimum per person), snacks
  • Departure time 8:00 AM (arrive at 8:45 AM for check-in)
  • Return Time Approximately 6:00 PM
  • Departure/Return Location Our passenger vans depart from the NE corner of 73rd Street and Broadway—meet in front of Apple Bank (Subways to 72nd Street: 1,2,3)

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Outdoor Bound Vertical Adventure: Outdoor Trapeze & Rock Climbing

Vertical Adventure: Outdoor Trapeze & Rock Climbing

Experienced, Fun & Qualified Guides

From cycling across the United States to leading horse treks through New Zealand to scaling Nepalese peaks, Outdoor Bound guides have real-world outdoor experience. Collectively, they have hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked tens of thousands of miles around the globe.

Whether their professional backgrounds are as teachers, personal trainers, artists, environmentalists or business leaders, they all have an extensive knowledge of the natural world and local history. Each guide has also passed a rigorous guide certification program and is trained in wilderness first aid or as a Wilderness First Responder.

Diverse & Interesting Groups

There is no typical Outdoor Bound participant. While ages typically range from 20 to 50, those who come to experience outdoor adventure range from singles to couples, from lawyers to waiters. They are a mix of women and men. While the group is always diverse, you will certainly feel welcome. Our guides go the extra mile to make the atmosphere of each trip social and fun. Many people in the Outdoor Bound community have forged lasting friendships as a result of our trips.

New Experiences

Skydiving, ice-climbing, hot-air ballooning, skiing and hiking every weekend are just a few of Outdoor Bound’s year-round adventures. These trips are accessible to everyone, including the novice, who might feel a little uneasy, the young urban professional trying to get away and even the adrenaline junkie looking for a new rush.

Environmental Awareness

“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures,” is the Leave No Trace motto embraced by Outdoor Bound. From purchasing bamboo T-shirts to printing with soy-based inks on recycled paper, Outdoor Bound strives to create the least environmental impact possible while on trips and in the office.

Outdoor Bound Winter Full Moon Hike or Snowshoeing

Winter Full Moon Hike or Snowshoeing

Other Trips in This Category

  1. 3rd of July Hike & Swim
  2. 4th of July Hike & Swim
  3. Adventure Tri Clinic
  4. Autumn Glider Soaring
  5. Autumn Mohonk Scramble Challenge
  6. Autumn Waterfall Canyoneering
  7. Awosting Falls
  8. Backcountry Snowshoe on Russian Bear Mountain
  9. Backwoods Snow Sledding
  10. Backwoods Snowshoeing
  11. Backwoods Snowshoeing: Catskill Mountains, High Point
  12. Backwoods Snowshoeing: Catskills, Panther Mountain
  13. Backwoods Snowshoeing: Catskills, Slide Mountain
  14. Backwoods Snowshoeing: Surebridge Mountain
  15. Bearfort Mountain Hike
  16. Black Ash Mountain Hike
  17. Black Rock Hike
  18. Breakneck Ridge Hike & Scramble
  19. Breakneck Ridge Hike to Mount Taurus
  20. Bullets, Beer & BBQ
  21. Canoe & Kayak
  22. Canopus Lake Hike
  23. Castle Ruin Hike
  24. Catskills Hike & Rappel: Panther Mountain
  25. Catskills Hike: Indian Head Mountain
  26. Catskills Hike: Panther Mountain
  27. Catskills Hike: Slide Mountain
  28. Catskills Hike: Sugarloaf Mountain
  29. Catskills Snowshoeing & Rappelling
  30. Class V Whitewater Rafting
  31. Clay’s Private Rock Climbing, Hiking & Camping Weekend
  32. Columbus Day 6 Mile Hike: Gertrude’s Nose in Minnewaska
  33. Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe
  34. Diamond Mountain Hike
  35. Dog, Beach & Vine
  36. Echo Lake Hike
  37. Empire Hotel Rooftop Cocktails & Gear Raffle
  38. End to End: Sterling Ridge Hike
  39. Evening Horseback, Hayride & Cookout
  40. Fall Foliage Hike, Apple & Pumpkin Picking
  41. Fall Foliage Horseback, Apple & Pumpkin Picking
  42. Fourteen Peaks Hike
  43. Fourth of July Skydiving!
  44. Full Moon Halloween Hike
  45. Full Moon Hike
  46. Full Moon Kayaking to Abandoned Castle
  47. Gertrude’s Nose 6 Mile Hike in Minnewaska
  48. Groundhog Day Hike: Russian Bear
  49. Gunks Hike & Whiskey Tasting
  50. Gunks Horseback Riding & Whiskey Tasting
  51. Gunks Winter Hike & Whiskey Tasting
  52. Half Day Hudson Valley Biking, Hiking & Pub
  53. Halloween Costume Hike & Pub
  54. Halloween Hangover Hike: Ramapo Ridge 9 Miles
  55. Halloween Horseback Riding & Wine Tasting
  56. Hang Gliding Adventure
  57. High Peterskill Hike in Minnewaska
  58. High Ridge Hike & Yoga
  59. High Ropes Climbing
  60. Hike & Art Gallery
  61. Hike & Hound 6-Mile Hike
  62. Hike & Hound Eight Mile Hike
  63. Hike & Pilates
  64. Hike & Wine Tasting
  65. Hike The Great Escape
  66. Hike the Hamptons
  67. Hike to High Point in the Catskills Mountains
  68. Hike, Swim & Wine Tasting
  69. Hike, Swim, Wine Tasting & Grateful Dead Tribute
  70. Hike, Swim, Wine Tasting & Harvest Moon Folk Festival
  71. Hike, Swim, Wine Tasting & Johnny Cash Tribute
  72. Hike, Wine & Charcuterie Tasting
  73. Hike, Wine & Fondue Dinner: Appalachian Trail
  74. Hike, Wine & Fondue Dinner: Ship Rock Ridge
  75. Hike, Wine & Fondue Dinner: Tom Jones Mountain
  76. Hike, Wine & Fondue Tasting: Tom Jones Mountain
  77. Hike, Wine & Shakespeare in the Orchard
  78. Hike, Yoga & Swim
  79. Hippo Rock Hike
  80. Hollywood Stunt Class: High Falls
  81. Hollywood Stunt Class: Trampoline
  82. Horseback & Art Gallery
  83. Horseback & Hike
  84. Horseback Riding & Wine Tasting
  85. Horseback Riding and Introduction to Polo
  86. Horseback, Hike & Swim
  87. Horseback, Wine Tasting & Apple Picking
  88. Hot Air Ballooning
  89. Hudson Half Day Sailing & Hike
  90. Hudson River Brunch Sailing Excursion
  91. Hudson Sailing & Hike
  92. Hudson Valley Biking, Hiking & Pub
  93. Ice Climbing
  94. Indoor Rock & Pints
  95. Indoor Rock Climbing
  96. Intro to Dragon Boat Racing
  97. Iron Mine & Lemon Squeezer Hike
  98. Kaaterskill Falls Eight Mile Hike
  99. Kristin’s Private Hike, Wine & Fondue Tasting
  100. Labor Day Hike: High Peterskill in Minnewaska

Bringing a Friend or Two?

Please be sure to enter the total number of people in the Qty box. In addition, be sure to include your friends’ names and cell-phone numbers on the final Checkout page. The final discount price is the price per person, multiplied by the Qty you enter.

Reminder about Trip Conditions

We closely monitor snow, ice and related weather conditions before each trip. Lack of snow or similar, unsatisfactory weather/trail/river conditions may lead to changes to the trip or rescheduling or cancellation.

Please consult the individual trip description or Event Calendar for notice of any such changes. Refer to our full Policies page for more information about reservations and cancellations.

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