The temperature is dropping, and the leaves are changing. It is autumn in the Mid Atlantic and it’s prime time to climb. But before you go tromping through the woods, become access aware. Understand the land owners and land managers rules, and follow Leave-No-Trace practices. Observing closures and restrictions, and helping to spread the word about access issues is important to maintaining access to our climbing areas, and to the growth and development of new areas.
For a number of years, Catoctin Mountain Park has had strict regulations on rock climbing with technical gear (i.e. ropes). This spring the Superintendent’s Memo specifically identified “bouldering” as an activity that would be managed by these same regulations, effectively closing the park to all bouldering.
Mid Atlantic Climbers and the Access Fund are reaching out to Catoctin Mountain Park to change these policies. We are asking that climbers observe these restrictions to aid in our efforts. Demonstrating responsibility as a climbing community at this time will help make our case as we work to open up access in the future.
Remember, there is strength in numbers. Consider joining MAC to help show your support and keep an eye on our Facebook and Blog for more updates.
