Adirondack Rock Climbing Route Closures
Peregrine falcons, an endangered species in New York State, are again nesting on cliffs in the Adirondack Park. The population of peregrine falcons has steadily grown since the DEC undertook hacking programs in the Adirondacks in the late 1970s.
Cliffs with known peregrine falcon nesting sites are monitored annually throughout the Adirondacks. Rock climbing routes with active nest sites are temporarily closed to prevent any disturbances that might interfere with the successful raising of the young peregrine falcons.
The closure of climbing routes is based on a number of factors, primarily the route's proximity and visibility to a nesting site. Each situation is unique and a specific distance from the nest site can not be used to make a closure determination. DEC's priority is protecting an endangered species; however, attempts are made to maximize the opportunities for climbing at the same time.
At the beginning of the season DEC closes whole or large portions of cliffs where peregrine falcons have regularly nested. This allows them to choose a nesting site without any being troubled by climbing activity. They often choose a site quickly and begin nesting earlier, than when the cliff's were subject to climbing activities. Climbers benefit because the earlier start nesting results in the corresponding earlier fledging of the young and therefore the closed routes are re-opened sooner.
Closed Climbing Routes - May 23, 2013
Shelving Rock
All climbing routes from Snake Charmer to Infinity Crack are closed due to confirmed peregrine falcon nesting activity on the Main Wall.
Wilmington Notch
All climbing routes on Moss Cliff are closed due to confirmed peregrine falcon nesting activity.
Chapel Pond
All climbing routes on Lower Washbowl Cliffs are closed due to confirmed peregrine falcon nesting activity.
All climbing routes on Upper Washbowl Cliffs are open.
Poke-o-Moonshine Mountain
Rock climbing routes on the Main Face between and including Shark Week and Lichenstorm are closed due to confirmed peregrine falcon nesting activity. All other routes are open.
Closed climbing routes will reopen once the young falcons have fledged which is typically by August 1.
DEC thanks the climbing community for their cooperation in avoiding these cliffs and routes at this time. Once DEC has confirmed that peregrine falcon pairs have established a nest site at these locations, climbing routes that don't interfere with the nesting activity will be reopened. DEC also thanks the climbers that serve as spotters and assist us in determining nest locations.
Remember, if you observe a peregrine falcon exhibiting defensive or distressed behavior while climbing, please descend immediately and report your observations to the DEC Region 5 Wildlife Office at 518-897-1291.
More about Adirondack Rock Climbing Route Closures:
- Peregrine Falcons and the Adirondack Rock Climber - Facts about Peregrine Falcons and how rock climbers can help to ensure their successful return to the Adirondacks
