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Hike Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs

Keene Valley, New York

4.3/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

10.4 miles

Elevation Gain

2000 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Lucas Gashi

This 10.4 mile loop in Keene Valley, NY offers up gorgeous views of Indian Head and Ausable Lakes. There are no dogs allowed on this trail. 

At 10.4 mile long, this lengthy, but easy loop takes you to two ADK lower peaks. The views from Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs will blow your mind away. I love stopping here every time I make my way to ADK. The colors are absolutely gorgeous in the fall. From the parking lot, take the lake road 3.3 miles. Once you reach the sign for Indian head and Fish Hawk cliffs, it is only a short climb of 0.7 miles to Indian Head and another 0.2 to Fish Hawk Cliffs. At Indian Head, take in the views and check out the cliffs. Make your way to Fish Hawk Cliffs, don't forget to look back at at Indian Head! The views on Indian Head itself are spectacular. This rock formation has to be seen to be appreciated. The views of the Ausable lakes from these two spots are outstanding. After Fish Hawk Cliffs, walk back to Indian Head. Once you reach up top follow the sign for the Gill Brook Trail. The Gill Brook Trail gives you scenic waterfalls and cascades to please the eyes and ears. The trail will lead you back to the Lake Road and from there just walk straight to your car.

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Features

Hiking
Lake
Romantic
Scenic

Hike Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs Reviews

The scenic Trail is So amazing!!!! 🦄🦄

The ausable lakes have a special place in my heart- one of the reasons Indian head and fish hawk cliffs are one of my favorite easier hikes in the ADKs. Although hiking starts on the lake road, it is a beautiful road, and right below the start of the trail there is a cutoff to a waterfall. The trail is relatively easy, following Benny's brook partway up to Indians head, which has a breathtaking view of upper and lower and the surrounding mountains. Fish hawk cliffs is not much of a walk beyond, and equally as pretty.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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