The Adirondack Region has so many incredible destinations with amazing vistas that you hike to, that it feels like you are hiking to the edge of the world. The Echo Cliffs is an amazing hike to a clearing at the top of Panther Mountain. The view from the top of Piseco Lake in the distance below is not something you will soon forget.
The Trail to Echo Cliffs
The view from Echo Cliffs will take your breath away, but that might have something to do with hiking the trail to get there. While this is a short hike, it’s not an easy one. The posted distance is .6 miles, but my watch had it somewhere between .7 and .8 miles.
The trail is obviously uphill, but the first 3/4 of the hike is not too difficult. The trail follows what looks like a natural stream, and in some spots, it gets dicey due to mud. Please be sure to wear either hiking boots or sneakers with good traction.
The trail gets decidedly harder during the last 1/4 of the hike. You will know you are at this point when you see the massive stone formation to your left as you are heading up the trail. From this point forward, the incline gets severe, and hikers are forced to scramble over large rocks and boulders. (The hike back down is easier, but rather jarring on the kneecaps, if I’m being honest.)
TIP: Hike Echo Cliffs Trail early in the morning.
We arrived early (as we were camped across the street at Little Sand Point) and didn’t encounter anyone else on the trail until we had almost reached the top. Going down was another story. It seemed the later in the morning it got, the more people were on the trail. We had considered getting up before dawn and catching the sunrise from the top, but after seeing the potential of breaking our necks hiking in the dark here, we changed our minds.
View of Piseco Lake from Echo Cliffs
The view from Echo Cliffs at the top of Panther Mountain is truly spectacular. When we visited, we were fortunate to have the Echo Cliffs completely to ourselves. However, No need to stake a claim when you reach the summit; there is so much room to spread out at the top; it won’t matter if other people are there as well. These rocks have several levels where you can get a great photo without having a bunch of strangers in your pictures.
Out and About with Nova
Nova loved everything about this hike. The steep incline of the last part of the hike didn’t slow her down at all, much to my own chagrin. (I was red-faced and panting, as she effortlessly bounced her way from massive rock to boulder along the trail.
This is a trail that you need to have control over your dog. The trail is narrow in places, so we made a point of walking Nova off the trail when we had to pass by other hikers. Please be respectful of other hikers and clean up after your dog.
Getting to Echo Cliffs
Address: 1365-899 Old Piseco Rd, Piseco, NY 12139
Google Map Link
A parking area is located along Old Piseco Road across from the trailhead. If you happen to be staying at Little Sand Point, there is a short trail through the woods that leads to the trailhead.