This hike can be done several ways – a 4.5-mile out-and-back to Codfish Point, an 8.8-mile out-and-back to Echo Lake, a 13-mile out-and-back to Overlook Mountain, a 10-mile shuttle hike by spotting a car at Meads Mountain Road (42.071036, -74.122464), or make an overnighter out of it with the availability of two shelters and campsites along the way.
From the parking lot, walk out...
Hike Description:
This hike can be done several ways – a 4.5-mile out-and-back to Codfish Point, an 8.8-mile out-and-back to Echo Lake, a 13-mile out-and-back to Overlook Mountain, a 10-mile shuttle hike by spotting a car at Meads Mountain Road (42.071036, -74.122464), or make an overnighter out of it with the availability of two shelters and campsites along the way.
From the parking lot, walk out the drive to Platte Clove Road. Either before or after the hike, be sure to walk the short distance to the left for waterfall views from the small bridge. Just the other side of the bridge, a short footpath on the left leads to pretty cascades a little farther into the woods.To begin the hike, exit the parking lot and turn right on Platte Clove Road following the aqua blazes of the Long Path. In 250 yards arrive at a red cabin on the left in the Platte Clove Preserve, used for their Artists-in-Residence program. Although the aqua blazes continue on along Platte Clove Road, turn left on the gravel drive and head downhill towards the red cabin, staying to the left of the cabin and the split rail fence. Follow this trail, blazed with the blue diamond markers of the Platte Clove Preserve, as it follows a ledge cut into the canyon wall then descends, sometimes steeply and ends at the base of the scenic 70-foot Plattekill Falls. Retrace your steps and arrive back at the red cabin having logged the first half-mile of your hike, as well as the steepest descent and climb.
Resume following the aqua blazes a few more steps along Platte Clove Road then turn left and proceed downhill. Before crossing the replica kingpost bridge, be sure to sign in at the trail register. The trail will be following historic Old Overlook Road, constructed in the early 1800’s to access the many bluestone quarries, remnants of which are still visible along the way. The trail will be blazed with Long Path markers as well as the green diamond markers of Platte Clove Preserve as it ascends gradually and consistently.At the “camping prohibited” sign 1.3 miles into the hike, you will be leaving Platte Clove Preserve and the aqua and green trail markers will be replaced by round blue markers. Start watching for a clearing on the left, an old bluestone quarry where a seating arrangement as been constructed out of stone slabs. Shortly after this quarry, the red-blazed Devil’s Path joins in from the right for a short distance then leaves to the right. Continue straight following the circular blue blazes.
The trail will pass directly in front of the Devil’s Kitchen lean-to 1.75 miles into the hike then cross a footbridge over a creek with pretty cascades. In another .7 mile, watch for a yellow-blazed side trail to the left for a short walk to Codfish Point with sweeping Hudson Valley views on the left and an abandoned bluestone quarry on the right. Retrace back to the blue trail and turn left to continue the hike, or turn right to return the way you came for the 4.5-mile hike.Continuing on, arrive at an intersection in 1.3 miles and turn right on the yellow-blazed trail, which will descend about 450 feet before reaching Echo Lake in .6 mile. At Echo Lake a lean-to and campsites are available for an overnight stay. Notice the mountain ridge on the opposite side of the lake with a communications tower to the right – the blue trail follows this ridge to the communications tower, also the site of the Overlook Mountain House ruins. After visiting Echo Lake, retrace your way back up the yellow trail and turn right on the blue trail to continue to Overlook Mountain. Alternatively, turn left on blue and retrace for the 8.8-mile hike.
Heading towards Overlook Mountain on the blue trail, notice interesting rock formations as the elevation increases, in particular, a balancing boulder on the right. Pass through an open gate with a stop sign at the 6.8-mile point just before arriving at an intersection with the communications tower that was visible from Echo Lake. To visit the Overlook Mountain House ruins, continue straight a short distance on the red-blazed trail then return to this intersection and stay right on the red-blazed to finish your ascent of Overlook Mountain. Along the way several unmarked side trail to the right lead to an open rock outcrop with amazing Hudson Valley views. Arrive at the fire tower on Overlook Mountain 7.5 miles into the hike. At this elevation of 3,140 feet there are views all around on a clear day and if you happen to be there when volunteers are manning the fire tower (generally weekends and holidays 11 am – 4 pm, June 1 through October 13), a climb up the tower will provide breathtaking views of the entire Mid-Hudson region.
From this point, return to the communications tower intersection on the red trail and turn right on blue and follow all the way back as it becomes the aqua-blazed Long Path in Platte Clove Preserve, which will take you directly to the parking lot where you parked off of Platte Clove Road. If you have a car spotted on Mead Mountain Road for a shuttle hike, keep left on red at the communications tower and continue downhill for 2 miles to finish the hike.
Click here for more pictures of this hike.
Turn By Turn Description:
[ 0.00] Exit parking lot, turn right on Platte Clove Road
[ 0.20] Turn left just past the red cabin, keep to the left of cabin and split rail fence on blue diamond trail
[ 0.35] Plattekill Falls; retrace
[ 0.50] Back at the red cabin, turn left on Platte Clove Road briefly then left on aqua-blazed Long Path to trail register and bridge; blazes will be Long Path markers and green diamond preserve markers
[ 1.30] Leave Platte Clove Preserve and enter Catskill Forest at camping sign (blazes change from green diamond and teal Long Path to blue circles)
[ 1.45] Old quarry on left then a short distance later keep straight on blue/red when the red Devil's Path comes in from the right
[ 1.55] Keep straight on blue when red leaves to the right
[ 1.75] Devil's Kitchen lean-to then cross bridge
[ 2.45] Left on yellow to Codfish Point when blue goes straight
[ 2.50] Codfish Point; retrace
*** Turn right on blue for 4.5-mile hike***
[ 2.55] Left on blue
[ 3.85] Right on yellow to Echo Lake
[ 4.50] Echo Lake lean-to, woods road continues partially around lake; retrace
[ 4.75] Back at lean-to, retrace yellow trail
[ 5.45] Right on blue
*** Turn left on blue for 8.8 mile hike***
[ 6.80] Continue straight at stop sign on open yellow gate
[ 6.85] Communications tower on right at intersection; continue straight to Overlook House ruins; retrace
[ 7.10] Back at communications tower intersection, keep right on red to Overlook Mountain Fire Tower
[ 7.20] Walk around gate
[ 7.50] Overlook Mountain Fire Tower; retrace
[ 7.70] Unmarked side trail on left to open view at ledge; retrace
[ 8.10] Turn right on blue at communications tower intersection
*** Keep left on red if car spotted on Meads Mountain Road for 10-mile shuttle hike ***
[ 8.15] Continue straight at stop sign on open yellow gate
[ 9.50] Straight on blue when yellow trail to Echo Lake goes left
[10.75] Keep straight on blue when yellow trail to Codfish Point goes right
[11.50] Cross bridge then pass Devil's Kitchen lean-to
[11.75] Straight on blue/red when red comes in from the left
[11.80] Straight on blue when red leaves to the left; old quarry on right
[12.00] Enter Platte Clove Preserve (blazes change from blue circles to Long Path and green diamond)
[12.75] Cross bridge and sign out at trail register
[12.80] Right on Platte Clove Road
[12.95] Left on gravel road to parking lot
[13.00] Back at parking lot


Visit a 70-foot waterfall then follow historic Old Overlook Road as it ascends gradually past abandoned bluestone quarries to Codfish Point with sweeping views of the Hudson Valley. Descend to Echo Lake then continue on to the Overlook Mountain House ruins via a less traveled route before the final ascent to Overlook Mountain Fire Tower looming over the Hudson Valley.
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.