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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

So I did this hike and it’s connection to Pyramid and Gothics. We camped on the trails outside the private property where you’re allowed to. And had a great time. This specific portion was super manageable. The connection to Pyramid and Gothics was very difficult though. We saw a lot of cool wildlife like owls, deer, and from the far of distance could swear we saw a bear but not 100% sure on that one. All in all it’s phenomenal area.

This is a nice loop. If you want to extend it you can also backpack in as long as you are off of the private land that is surrounding the actual viewpoint. The picture from the top of the cliff is kind of a classic one.

The driving directions linked to this description need a bit of an update. The road called "Ausable Club Road" is now posted as just "Ausable Rd." Coming from Lake Placid, it is the second and southerly of the two junction of Rt. 73 and Ausable Rd. Coming from the south, it is at the bottom of a long hill on the left. The other landmark is that it is directly across the highway from the Roaring Brook access to Giant Mt. On a buy weekend you will likely have to park on the highway. From the parking area, one walks for 1/2-mile up the road and past a golf course. Just before reaching the large clubhouse, turn left and down between two tennis courts. The entrance station and trail register is 200 yards down this road. This is where the 3.3 mile walk on the Lake Road starts. By now it should be clear that this is private property and that only club members can drive this road or ride the seasonal bus. Likewise, there are no public water or rest room facilities after leaving the parking area.

Leave No Trace

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

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Nippletop, Indian Head, Gothics

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