Echo Cliffs

Echo Cliffs is a short jaunt up to an excellent viewpoint over Piseco Lake and the surrounding area from the shoulder of Panther Mountain. With excellent views and less crowds than many other Adirondack destinations, Echo Cliffs is a must do if youare in the area, especially in the fall. Poorly marked with only a small dirt pull off along a secondary road, itas no wonder Echo Cliffs lacks the crowds of other peaks with similarly easy access like Bald Mountain and Rocky Mountain near Old Forge. From the trailhead itas a short but steep climb, getting steepest toward the very end, where hikers will likely find themselves grabbing exposed tree roots here and there to steady themselves. Fortunately, the steepest section lasts only a few hundred yards and opens immediately into panoramic views of Lake Piseco, Spy Lake, and the southern Adirondacks. The views here are especially phenomenal in autumn when the leaves on the trees change, turning the forest into a menagerie of color. The edge of the cliff does drop abruptly, so families with small children should give it a wide berth. To return to the trailhead, follow the trail back, and consider stopping at one of the nearby public beaches for a refreshing swim.