Primitive Camping at Echo Lake - Beginners Level Backpacking

This event is hosted by Alex Burka. Please contact him with any questions regarding this event.

No public transportation Please indicate in comments below or in your RSVP whether or not you are able to offer a ride.

Leaving Saturday morning, we will backpack into the Overlook Mountain Wild Forest. After hiking approx. 2.3 miles we will be at the summit of Overlook Mountain. After some time enjoying the views, taking photos, eating lunch, etc. we will backtrack .4 miles and continue our hike for another 2.1 miles finally arriving at echo lake located in the Indian Head Wilderness Area for a total hiking distance of 4.8 miles. Echo Lake has two camping options, there is a lean-to, although there is no guarantee it will not be fully occupied. There is also a primitive camping area a short distance from the lean-to. We can discuss the best place to camp when we arrive. After setting up camp we will have dinner, a campfire, relax, etc. The following morning (with no set schedule), we will pack up and hike out the same way we hiked in arriving back to our cars somewhere around (estimating) early afternoon Sunday. There are a limited number of elevation views, but the best part of this hike is the remoteness and serenity of the surrounding forest and lake. Please only RSVP if you can truly attend.. Thanks~!

Please note: I hike at a relaxed and relatively slow pace. I like to stop often to enjoy nature and take advantage of scenic opportunities. Don't be afraid to sign up if you are a slow hiker, i wait for EVERYONE.

PLEASE RSVP “YES” ONLY IF YOU TRULY INTEND ON ATTENDING THIS EVENT

Event Details

Total Distance: 9.6 Miles (Round Trip)

Total Elevation Gain: around 1900ft

Recommended Experience Level: Beginner - Intermediate

NYNJTC Map #: 141

A description of the hiking experience levels can be found here: https://www.meetup.com/New-York-City-Hiking/pages/Hiking_Levels/

A suggested gear list for hiking / backpacking with me in the spring, summer and fall can be found here: http://www.backpacking.net/gearlist.html

Before attending this event please familiarize yourself with the following:

DEC Land Use Guidelines (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7872.html)

Black Bears of New York State (http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/bears1.pdf)

Timber Rattlesnakes and Copperheads (http://catskillmountaineer.com/animals-snakes.html)

If you have any questions regarding any of this information, feel free to Email Me

If you join me for a hike (or any other event), please understand that you are responsible for your own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. You agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen at a planned event. You are responsible to research the event, know the area, and bring the proper gear.

Your attendance on a hike signifies that you have read, understand and accept these terms.