Day Trips
Echo Lake Hike

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.

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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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

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18. Diamond Mountain Hike
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