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 open sooner.

Once DEC confirms peregrine falcon nesting sites, we will evaluate and re-open routes that will not interfere with the falcon nesting activity.

Route Closures - Updated April 24, 2009

Silver Lake Mountain Cliffs

The lands on which the Silver Lake Mountain Cliffs are located are now open to non-motorized public recreation under a DEC conservation easement on these privately owned lands. However, DEC has received reports of a pair of peregrine falcons observed on Silver Lake Mountain. Climbers are advised to immediately desist climbing on any cliff if they encounter nest defense behavior by peregrine falcons, such as prolonged wailing vocalization, circling overhead, or dive bombing. Please report any such encounters to the DEC Region 5 Wildlife Unit at 518-897-1291. DEC is continuing efforts to locate a peregrine falcon nest site and determine if specific areas of the cliff will be closed during the breeding season. Thank you for your cooperation.

Moss Cliff (Wilmington Notch)

All routes are closed.

Lower Washbowl Cliffs (Chapel Pond)

All routes are closed.

Poke-o-Moonshine Mountain

The peregrine falcon nesting location has been confirmed. The climbing routes listed below (Adirondack Rock - A Rock Climber's Guide) will remain closed until the peregrine falcon chicks fledge. All other routes are now open.

26 Garter
27 Varsity
28 Junior Varsity
29 The Snake
30 Roof of All Evil
31 Slime Line
32 Firing Line
33 Psychosis
34 Microwave
35 Creaking Wall
36 Blinded by Rainbows
37 Forget Bullet
38 Rattlesnake
39 Freedom Flight
40 Project
41 Remembering Youth
42 Sound System
43 Pillar
44 Autumn Flare
45 Katrina
46 Deuteronomy
47 Superstition Traverse
48 Spooks
49 The Howling
50 Salad Days
51 Climb Control To Major Bob
52 Pentecostal
53 Project
54 Verdon
55 Homecoming
56 Ukiah
57 Raindance
58 Libido
59 Snake Slide
60 Scorpion
63 Summer Break
64 Wild Blue
65 God's Grace
66 Home Run Derby
67 Karmic Kickback
68 The FM
69 Nose Traverse
70 Sky Traverse
71 Silver Streak
72 Spectacular Rising Traverse
73 The Body Snatcher
75 The Snatch
76 Knights in Armor
77 Great Dihedral
78 Half Mile
79 Sea of Seams
80 C-Tips
81 Project
82 Mogster

If you encounter peregrine falcon activity when rock climbing, please desist immediately and report the activity to the DEC Region 5 Wildlife Unit at 518-897-1291. DEC appreciates the cooperation of climbers and the climbing community.