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

“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.

Other Trips in This Category

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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
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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
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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
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88. Hot Air Ballooning
89. Hudson Half Day Sailing & Hike
90. Hudson River Brunch Sailing Excursion
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98. Kaaterskill Falls Eight Mile Hike
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100. Labor Day Hike: High Peterskill in Minnewaska