Echo Lake State Park
New Hampshire

Echo Lake State Park

Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Rock Climbing
  • Beach
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

Echo Lake State Park offers a pristine swimming beach and access to Cathedral Ledge—a dramatic 700-foot granite cliff with panoramic White Mountains views. Perfect for swimming, picnicking, and rock climbing!

700-Foot Cathedral Ledge

Ledge InfoDetails
📏 Height700 feet
🚗 Auto Road1-mile road to summit
🧗 Rock ClimbingWorld-class routes
🏔️ ViewsSaco River Valley, White Mtns

Beach & Lake

Beach InfoDetails
🏖️ BeachSandy swimming beach
Hours9am–6pm (gates close 8pm)
🐕 PetsNot allowed May–Oct
💵 Entry$4 adults, $2 kids 6-11

⚠️ No Camping: Echo Lake is day-use only. For camping, check nearby White Mountain National Forest campgrounds.

FAQ

Is the water cold?

Echo Lake warms up nicely in summer! Prime swimming is late June through early September.

🏔️ NH’s White Mountain Gateway

Visit NH State Parks.

Location & Getting There

Echo Lake State Park is located in New Hampshire. The park’s coordinates are 44.0639, -71.1181. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.

Quick Facts

  • Location: New Hampshire
  • Coordinates: 44.0639, -71.1181
  • Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
  • Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)

Things to Do

New Hampshire captures rugged New England with White Mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and Atlantic coastline. Activities include hiking the Appalachian Trail, swimming in mountain lakes, fly fishing, rock climbing granite notches, camping in deep forests, and exploring grand resort-era estates.

Best Time to Visit

Fall (late September to mid-October) is famous for spectacular foliage. Summer is peak for lakes and beaches. Winter brings skiing and ice climbing. Spring brings black flies and muddy trails but excellent waterfall viewing.

Visitor Tips

Day-use admission typically $4-$5 per adult. Advance reservations strongly recommended for Franconia Notch and Monadnock. White Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable — always carry layers.

Explore More New Hampshire State Parks

Echo Lake State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in New Hampshire. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in New Hampshire guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

State Parks Team
Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Last updated: February 20, 2026

Park Location