CURRENT ACCESS ALERTS
| Harpers Ferry, MD, VA, WV | Issue: All Virginia climbing in the park, as well as Jefferson Rock, Shenandoah Street Cliffs, and all cliffs along Shenandoah Street in the Lower Town of Harpers Ferry, WV is CLOSED as detailed on the Park's website. |
| Catoctin Mountain Park, MD | Issue: The Park requests that the following boulders be effectively closed to climbing: Hog Rock trail area: Warfare/Knifewall and Chief Block/Gateway Fin Thurmont Vista area: Sudden/Smelted Chimney Rock (only the Chimney Rock area itself – the Pyramid Boulder is outside the area of concern) More information can be found on our news page. |
| The Narrows, MD | Issue: Initial archery hunting season started on September 9 and runs until October 19. People will be hunting throughout the properties on and around the top of the Narrows. Our partners at the Western Maryland Climbers Coalition ask that if possible, please avoid the top of the Narrows, and if you know of other people planning on heading there, please pass on this information. If you are planning a trip, please contact WMCC in advance and they can reach out to the local land manager. |
| Rocky Gorge Reservoir, MD | Issue: Rocky Gorge and all WSSC properties are currently CLOSED to climbing. |
| Governor Stable, PA | Issue: Governor Stable has re-opened through July 31. More information and the rules for climbing can be found on the South Central Pennsylvania Climbers website. BACK AREA (past Pyramid Boulder) CLOSED indefinitely. |
| Southwest PA State Game Lands | Issue: State Game Lands 51 and 138 in Fayette County are CLOSED to climbing. The most well-known areas are Coll’s Cove, Lost Crag, The Vault, Casparis, Rob’s Knob, Fish Rocks, and Zebley Flats. Our partners at Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition and Access Fund are working to explore options to maintain climbing access. More information can be found on the SWPACC website. |
| Pond Bank, PA | Issue: Climbing at Pond Bank in south central Pennsylvania is open but parking is extremely limited. We urge you to consider climbing elsewhere for the time being. Our partners at South Central Pennsylvania Climbers and Access Fund are working diligently with the relevant parties toward an equitable parking solution. If you choose to climb at Pond Bank, please ensure you're parking on Michaux State Forest property so as to respect private property as well as to not complicate ongoing efforts to work with land managers. Stay tuned for further updates from SCPC and AF. |
| Franklin, WV | Issue: No Trespassing signs appear from time to time at Franklin. Mid Atlantic Climbers has made attempts in contacting the land owner. We've received differing, sometimes conflicting, information from third parties on access. If you do choose to climb there, please be mindful of the sensitivity of the area and be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles. |
CURRENT CLIMBING INITIATIVES
Catoctin Mountain Park
Since 2016 when Catoctin Mountain Park restored bouldering access, Mid Atlantic Climbers has been working with National Park Service staff to steward climbing areas and develop educational materials for the climbing community. Catoctin Mountain Park is currently in the process of developing a plan to enhance the Park’s trail system and visitor experiences, while balancing recreation with natural and cultural resource protection.
Current Access Issues:
| Issue: The Park requests that the following boulders be effectively closed to climbing: Hog Rock trail area: Warfare/Knifewall and Chief Block/Gateway Fin Thurmont Vista area: Sudden/Smelted Chimney Rock (only the Chimney Rock area itself – the Pyramid Boulder is outside the area of concern) More information can be found on our news page. |
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, located on the border of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, is important to providing access to the outdoors for the DC metro region. It is a significant climbing resource in the mid-Atlantic, providing unique opportunities for multi-pitch traditional climbing, top roping, and bouldering.
Current Access Issues:
| Issue: All Virginia climbing in the park, as well as Jefferson Rock, Shenandoah Street Cliffs, and all cliffs along Shenandoah Street in the Lower Town of Harpers Ferry, WV is CLOSED as detailed on the Park's website. |
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park has announced and implemented a pilot ticket program at Old Rag Mountain. This program, effective March 2022, requires all visitors of Old Rag reserve a ticket prior to visiting.
Current Access Issues:
There are no access issues at this time.
Monongahela National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest has announced plans to develop a rock climbing management plan for the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area (NRA) of the forest. This includes Seneca Rocks, Smoke Hole, Reeds Creek, and other areas. Whether you climb at these places multiple times per month, a few times a year, or just hope to someday climb there in the future, your input and perspective is valuable as the U.S. Forest Service determines how climbing will be managed for years to come.
Current Access Issues:
There are no access issues at this time.