Adirondack Rock Climbing Route Closures
Peregrine falcons, an endangered species in New York State, nest on cliffs in the Adirondack Mountains. 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 cannot 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 an earlier nesting start results in an earlier fledging of the young and therefore the closed routes are re-opened sooner.
Rock Climbing Routes Status - July 2023
Chapel Pond Area
- All routes on the Upper Washbowl Cliffs are OPEN.
- All routes on the Lower Washbowl Cliffs are OPEN.
- All other areas, including The Spider's Web, are OPEN.
Moss Cliffs and Notch Mountain
- All routes are OPEN.
Poke-O-Moonshine
- All routes on Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain, including all routes beyond "It Don't Come Easy," are OPEN.
Crane Mountain
- All routes on Crane Mountain, including the Amphitheater section of the Black Arches Wall, are OPEN.
Shelving Rock
The following sections are CLOSED:
- All routes on the Neanderthal Wall; and
- Main Wall routes: Shake and Bake, Shake and Cake, Wake and Bake, and Princess Bride.
All other areas remain open.
Sleeping Beauty Mountain
- All routes are OPEN.
Rogers Rock
All routes are OPEN.
Potash Mountain
All routes are CLOSED.
Thank you all for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact the Bureau of Wildlife at (518) 897-1291.