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New York · Rock Climbing
Haines Falls sits in the northern Catskills and punches above its weight for rock climbing, with seven distinct areas packed into a relatively small geographic footprint.
7 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapRock Climbing · 7 spots
Haines Falls sits in the northern Catskills and punches above its weight for rock climbing, with seven distinct areas packed into a relatively small geographic footprint. The options here range from bouldering at Gibby to traditional and sport routes at established climbing areas like Asbestos Wall, Moore's Bridge, and the Ravines. Kaaterskill Falls and Lower Kaaterskill Creek add creek-side climbing to the mix, where the rock tends to be shaded and the approach involves navigating wet terrain. The Catskills as a whole offer a different experience than the Gunks to the south -- the rock is primarily conglomerate and sandstone rather than quartz conglomerate, which means rougher texture but also more lichen and moisture-dependent conditions. Most areas around Haines Falls are accessible without long approaches, which makes the area practical for a day trip or a weekend stay. That said, the rock here dries slowly after rain, and some walls face north or sit in ravines where shade lingers well into the morning. If you're coming from outside the region, it's worth knowing that this is not a destination built around a single mega-crag -- it rewards climbers who like variety and are comfortable moving between a few different spots in a day.
The area has something for most experience levels. Gibby is a bouldering spot that tends to attract newer climbers and those working movement fundamentals, while areas like Asbestos Wall and the Ravines have routes that will challenge more experienced trad and sport climbers. If you're a beginner, go with someone who knows the local rock -- the Catskills conglomerate behaves differently from gym holds and some holds can be less predictable than they look.
Late spring through early fall is the most reliable window, with May, June, September, and October generally offering the best conditions. Summer works but midday heat and humidity can make friction-dependent moves harder, especially on south-facing rock. Avoid climbing here for at least two to three days after significant rain -- the ravine areas and creek-side walls at Lower Kaaterskill Creek and Kaaterskill Falls hold moisture longer than open-face crags.
Moore's Bridge
~0 min drive
New York climbing area with varied routes for multiple skill levels.
Gibby
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near New York.
It's easy to be brave...
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Lower Kaaterskill Creek
~0 min drive
Creek-side climbing in New York's Catskills with varied rock and accessible routes.
Mid Life Crisis -Trailhead Boulder
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Azucar
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Asbestos Wall
~1 min drive
Solid rock climbing destination in New York with routes for multiple skill levels.
Half Pint -Trailhead Boulder
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Crotalid
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Kaaterskill Falls
~1 min drive
Scenic waterfall climbing in New York's Catskill Mountains.
Monkey! - Trailhead Boulder
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Niether
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Several of these areas sit within or adjacent to New York State land, and access situations in the Catskills can shift. Before your trip, check with the Access Fund or local climbing coalitions for any current closures or seasonal raptor nesting restrictions, which have affected some Catskills crags in past years. Don't assume that because an area appears on a map it's currently open to climbing.
For bouldering at Gibby, a crash pad and brush are the essentials. For the roped climbing areas like Asbestos Wall, Moore's Bridge, and the Ravines, a standard trad rack is useful since many Catskills routes are traditionally protected. Approach shoes or trail runners are worth having given that some areas involve creek crossings or uneven terrain near Lower Kaaterskill Creek and Kaaterskill Falls. Bring more water than you think you need -- the approaches are short but the area has limited services.
Morning is generally better for areas like Lower Kaaterskill Creek and the Ravines because shade keeps the rock cool, but it also means the rock may still be damp from overnight humidity. By late morning to early afternoon the rock is usually drier, though some north-facing walls in the ravines stay shaded all day. Kaaterskill Falls sees significant foot traffic from hikers throughout the day, so earlier starts help you avoid crowds at the base.
