Beech Cliff Trail

A secluded, nearly vertical climb up rugged granite cliffs located on the southwest shore of Echo Lake.

Plan Around Beech Cliff Trail

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to trip View park guide

Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Beech Cliff Trail Details

Beech Cliff Trail is one of the park's four strenuous ladder trails. It takes hikers through some of the most interesting cliff formations in the Park and leads to the summit of Beech Mountain. Scaling the cliffs on the west side of Echo Lake, the trail offers great cliff-top views of the lake, and in the fall, New England's famous foliage. Hikers should take caution, however, as the trail is just as challenging as the Precipice, although significantly lesser known. Like the Precipice, it may be closed early-to-mid summer for Peregrine breeding season. Trailhead: behind ranger house in Echo Lake parking lot. *The Precipice Trail and portions of the East Face, Beech Cliff, Jordan Cliffs, and Flying Mountain Trails are generally closed from March 15 to August 15 to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Check with park rangers or the website (http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/trailclosures.htm) for more information.

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

0.8 miles

Estimated time

40 minutes

Region

N/A