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 being troubled by climbing activity. They often choose a site quickly and begin nesting earlier than when the cliffs were subject to climbing activities. Climbers benefit because an earlier nesting start results in an earlier fledging which leads to closed routes being re-opened sooner.
Rock Climbing Routes Status - as of 8/1/26
Attention Climbers: As of August 1, 2026, all climbing routes are now open.
Chapel Pond
All routes on the Upper Washbowl Cliffs are open.
All routes on the Lower Washbowl Cliffs are open.
All routes on the Spider’s Web remain open.
Wilmington Notch
All routes on the following areas are open:
- Moss Cliff
- Ausable Arete
- Au Sable Buttress
All other sections (i.e. Sportsmans Crag/Notch Mountain) remain open.
Poke-O-Moonshine
All routes on Poke-O-Moonshine are open.
Crane Mountain
All routes on the Amphitheater section of the Black Arches Wall are open.
Additionally, the following routes on the Main Wall are open:
- Torcher
- Eating Tripe and Lichen It
All other routes on Crane Mountain remain open.
Shelving Rock Mountain
All routes on the Neanderthal Wall are open.
All routes on the Main Wall are open.
All other routes on Shelving Rock Mountain remain open.
Sleeping Beauty Mountain
All routes are open.
Rogers Rock
All routes are open.
Potash Mountain
All routes are open.
Once peregrine falcon eyries are determined, narrower closures will come into effect. Thank you all for your cooperation. To report any aggressive behavior, or if you have any questions, please contact the Bureau of Wildlife at (518)-623-1240.
