Some of the best views in the Adirondacks don't come from the highest peaks. Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs sit at modest elevations—around 2,800 feet—but their cliff-edge positions above the Lower Ausable Lake create views that rival any summit. The Great Range rises dramatically across the valley, and the lake stretches below like a fjord.
Better still, these trails see a fraction of the traffic that clogs Cascade, Giant, or Marcy. You can often enjoy the cliffs in relative solitude, even on summer weekends when parking lots elsewhere are overflowing.
Trail Overview
Via Ausable Club (Most Common)
- Distance: 9.6 miles round trip (to both viewpoints)
- Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 5-7 hours
The standard route starts from the Ausable Club parking area in St. Huberts, follows the Lake Road to the Ausable Lakes, then climbs to the cliffs. The approach is long but mostly gentle; the climbing comes in the final mile to each viewpoint.
The Two Viewpoints
Fish Hawk Cliffs: The first viewpoint, looking east across Lower Ausable Lake toward Giant Mountain.
Indian Head: Slightly higher and more dramatic, looking south with the Great Range rising directly across the lake.
The Experience
Lake Road
The first 3+ miles follow a maintained road (closed to public vehicles) along the Ausable River. It's flat and easy, with pleasant forest scenery. Many hikers find this section tedious—consider it an opportunity to warm up for the climb ahead.
The Climb
From the Lake Road junction, trails lead uphill to the cliffs. The climbing is steady but not brutal, with rocky sections near the viewpoints.
The Views
The cliffs themselves are the reward. Sheer drops to the lake below, the Great Range rising across the valley, and a sense of wildness that's harder to find on the crowded peaks. Fish Hawk looks north and east; Indian Head looks south. Both are spectacular.
Caution: The cliff edges are unprotected. Stay back from edges, especially in wet conditions.
Practical Information
Trailhead
Park at the Ausable Club (St. Huberts) on Route 73. Sign in at the gate. The club maintains the trail and road on private land—please respect their policies.
When to Go
- June-October: Best conditions
- Fall: Spectacular colors across the Great Range
- Summer: Warm but occasionally buggy near the lakes
Tips
- Start early—the Lake Road approach takes time
- Bring lunch for the cliffs—you'll want to linger
- The round trip is long—plan for a full day
Quick Reference: Indian Head & Fish Hawk
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 9.6 miles round trip |
| Elevation Gain | 1,600 feet |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best For | Views, solitude |
| Trailhead | St. Huberts (Ausable Club) |
Indian Head and Fish Hawk Cliffs offer some of the most dramatic scenery in the Adirondacks without the crowds of the major peaks. The long approach keeps casual visitors away, leaving the cliffs to those willing to invest the miles. The payoff—sitting on the cliff edge with the Great Range filling the horizon—is worth every step.
