Significant portions of the climbing areas at both Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and The Narrows (aka Lover’s Leap) in Cumberland, MD are closed to visitors effective February 15-July 31, 2024. These closures occur seasonally to protect Peregrine Falcons during the nesting and mating season. Since human disturbance can cause nest abandonment and the loss of eggs and chicks, land managers have closed these areas to all visitors. Mid Atlantic Climbers supports the National Park Service and Maryland DNR closures.
Mid Atlantic Climbers will keep in touch with both land managers and update this post as necessary. The closure is expected to be in effect until July 31, 2024.
Maryland Heights at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
All routes on the prominent feature of Maryland Heights between and including the Gully and the Confederate Walls are closed to climbing for the duration of the closure. A large portion of the hillside above is closed to all visitors as well (see image). You can read the full closure announcement from Harpers Ferry NPS here.
CLOSED: The Gully, The Sign Wall, The Ramps, and the Train Tunnel Wall, and the Confederate Walls.
OPEN: Skink Rock, Stone Fort, Union Walls, Balcony Rock, Balcony Junior, Elk Ridge Bouldering
More details on walls and routes can be found on the Harpers Ferry Mountain Project Page.
These seasonal closures for Peregrine Falcons have occurred for several years and are supported by the climbing community including Mid Atlantic Climbers, and our partner organizations: The Access Fund, The American Alpine, and The Outdoor Alliance. Harpers Ferry reports that three peregrine falcon chicks successfully took their first flights from the cliffs of Maryland Heights in 2023. This is the third consecutive, documented fledging of peregrine falcons since the 1950’s and the first time in over 70 years that each chick has survived to this milestone.
The Narrows, aka Lover’s Leap
At the Narrows, all routes between the end of the Sunshine Buttress to the Robinson Crusoe area are closed to climbing.
Route information and maps can be found on the Narrows aka Lover’s Leap Mountain Project Page.
