Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs are two cliffs within the private land of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). The trails to these summits are open to the public via a hiking easement, and dogs are absolutely prohibited. A successful hike involves research, physical fitness, the right gear, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles.
SPECIAL INFORMATION
This hike is accessed through a conservation easement with the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR). A parking reservation is needed from May 1 - October 31. Although it is called a “parking reservation,” everyone will need a reservation to access hikes leaving from AMR, whether you drove yourself, rode a bike, got dropped-off, or walked. These reservations can be made online via the AMR website. For more information, please read these FAQs or contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 9.4 miles round trip
- Indian Head elevation: 2700 feet
- Fish Hawk Cliffs elevation: 2600 feet
- Elevation gain: 1,675 feet
- Hike includes trail junctions, ladders, and a road walk
Hiking Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs
The best way to enjoy the hike is to do a loop out of the available trails and open up the opportunity to see the numerous waterfalls of Gill Brook on the way out. This hike can be demanding due to its length.
The hike starts along a dirt road, which becomes paved next to a golf course. At 0.5 miles from the parking area, turn left and down between two tennis courts on Lake Road Way to a gate house and register just before a wooden gate. Then continue past the gate and along the Lake Road for a little over 3 miles before you enter a foot trail. (The other signs for Indian Head are for your return route.) The foot trail starts off at the top of the last hill along Lake Road before you descend down to Lower Ausable Lake.
The trail starts out flat, then climbs steady to steep terrain, using a ladder in one area. At the top of the ridge (0.8 miles from the Lake Road) is a junction. At right is the short walk to Indian Head. Straight ahead is the route to Fish Hawk Cliffs. To the left is a shorter route to Gill Brook and the return.
From the top of Indian Head you will descend steeply and then climb to the top of Fish Hawk Cliffs about 0.25 miles away. Here you will see the “Indian Head.” Continuing over the top of Fish Hawk Cliffs the trail brings you to the Gill Brook Trail which you will follow back to the Lake Road. The Gill Brook Trail has several waterfalls and cascades.
For more in depth information on this hike and others in the area, we recommend you pick up a guide book at a local bookshop or hire a local guide service for assistance.
In the winter
Cross-country skiing is classic when in good condition on Lake Road, along with snowshoeing. Make sure you are prepared for winter conditions. Snowshoes and microspikes are needed. Plan on temperatures in the higher elevations being much colder than at the trailhead, not including the windchill. Bring several extra non-cotton layers, a headlamp with spare batteries, extra food, a windbreaker, goggles, a face mask, and supplies for spending the night in case of an emergency.
Find your perfect trail near Keene Valley
Does Indian Head sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? No need to stress, with over 2000 miles of hiking trails in the Adirondacks we are sure we can find the perfect hike for you.
How to get there
This is part of the St Huberts parking area/trailhead. Leave Lake Placid on Route 73, follow Route 73 through Keene and Keene Valley and into Saint Huberts. Parking is across the road from the Roaring Brook Falls Trailhead for Giant Mountain. Parking is monitored by the AMR. Please be sure to follow all rules so that hikers can continue to enjoy access to these lands.