Protect Nature

Anchors on the cliff edge
Photo: Anchor on Baby (5.6) by Christian Fracchia

Use Designated Rappel Routes & Trails

  • Avoid soil compaction – it is harmful to trees and plants
  • Do not trample the vegetation
  • Use durable surfaces (e.g. exposed rock) when possible

Using Trees as Anchors is Prohibited

  • Friction from webbing and ropes can cause irreparable damage to a tree’s health

Respect Closures

  • Endangered Peregrine falcon closures
  • Roped-off restoration or other work areas

Carry Out Food Waste

A group of climbers standing on the carriage road
Photo : On Belay at the Uberfall by Susan Lehrer

  • Limit impact to wildlife & soil biology – your food waste is not part of this ecosystem
  • Please compost food waste at home or at an authorized facility

Observe Mohonk Preserve Rules

Follow Leave No Trace Practices

  • Pack out all trash. Glass is prohibited on Mohonk Preserve lands
  • Pack out all feces and toilet paper (including dog feces)
  • Camping and campfires are prohibited (camping is available at the nearby Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground)

Keep Unnecessary Noise to a Minimum

    • Portable speakers and amplified music are prohibited
    • Keep yelling to a minimum
Alex Honnold holds on to a roof with one hand. A camera person films from below
Below : Alex Honnold on Andrew Boulder (V4) photo by Jesse Carano

Control Dogs

  • Leashes are required at all times
  • Do not leave dogs unattended
  • Tying your dog to a tree while you’re on a multi-pitch route is not acceptable

Smoking is Prohibited on All Mohonk Preserve Lands

  • This helps prevent forest fires

Keep Trails & Carriage Roads Clear

    • Keep your possessions off the carriage roads & trails so that others may pass
    • When bouldering pads are not in use, please move them off of the carriage roads
Lynn McGrew balances with a wide stance on the cliff while looking up
Photo: Lynn McGrew on Moby Dick (5.8) by Christian Fracchia
  • When there is an emergency, be aware ranger vehicles will need to pass quickly

Alterations to the Environment are Prohibited

  • Chipping holds, placing new pitons or bolts, rock trundling, & dry-tooling are prohibited
  • Do not remove anything from the Mohonk Preserve that was a natural part of the environment. This includes rocks, trees, plants, animals, etc.
  • Leave the land and habitats the way you find them – do not build with natural materials or deface any of the landscape through graffiti, carving, cairns, etc.

Use of a Drone on Mohonk Preserve Land Requires a Permit

  • Drones can disturb both visitors and wildlife

 

For more information on Low-Impact Rock Climbing please visit the rock-climbing page at the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics website.

You can help make sure the cliffs stay open and affordable

The Preserve is one of the few private, nonprofit (NGO) climbing areas in the United States, financially supported by members and visitors and open to the public 365 days a year. Help keep it that way! 

  • Become a member today. Your continuing membership support will help keep the cliffs open to climbers and will provide ongoing support for our climbing management program – recognized as a model by the UIAA  (International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation).
  • Volunteer or trail maintenance and other projects that ensure climber access. Also consider getting involved with the Gunks Climbers’ Coalition – a local climbing advocacy group.
  • Donate to the Thom Scheuer Memorial Fund for Land Stewardship, which helps build and maintain climber facilities, including trailheads, parking areas, and sanitary facilities.

Banner photo by Jeff Severson