Echo Lake-Cathedral Ledge State Park, Recreational state park in North Conway, New Hampshire, US

Echo Lake-Cathedral Ledge State Park lies in North Conway, New Hampshire, and holds a 15.7-acre lake plus two rock ledges, Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge. A one-mile trail circles the lake, and a mile-long auto road climbs to the 1,159-foot summit of Cathedral Ledge, which looks across the Saco River Valley to the White Mountains and Kearsarge North.

In 1899 a group of area visitors and local residents bought Cathedral Ledge for $1,000; White Horse Ledge was purchased in 1900. Both were later deeded to the State of New Hampshire. In 1943 the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests joined the state to raise funds to buy Echo Lake, protecting it from commercial development.

The park serves as a gathering place for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts who practice rock climbing and connect with others who share their passion. The vertical rock faces draw people who want to test their skills and experience the power of the granite walls.

The site is accessible by a scenic road that leads to an overlook where you can see mountain views without a strenuous hike. The lake access points and trails are well marked and suitable for different levels of fitness.

A scenic driving route reaches the summit area without requiring a strenuous hike, making high-altitude views accessible to people of all abilities. This unusual feature attracts visitors who want mountain vistas without the hard work.