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New York · Rock Climbing
Old Chatham sits in Columbia County, about 25 miles east of the Catskills proper, and the rock climbing scene here is almost entirely bouldering-focused.
15 spotsUpdated weeklyFree to access
View on mapRock Climbing · 15 spots
Old Chatham sits in Columbia County, about 25 miles east of the Catskills proper, and the rock climbing scene here is almost entirely bouldering-focused. The area centers on Dorson's Rock, a climbing area that hosts a dense collection of problems ranging from approachable slabs to more technical crack and reach-dependent lines. Problems like Easy Flake and Fern Gully give newer boulderers something to work with, while routes like Ogre's Teeth, Lifes A Reach, and the crack problems at Crack Head and Crack Bck Mt. offer real challenges for climbers with more mileage on their hands. The rock has character — you'll find slab movement on Dorson's Slab, awkward sequences on Something Messy, and the kind of specific, body-position-dependent climbing that names like Wimsicle and Scraped Shin hint at. With 15 active listings concentrated in a relatively compact area, this isn't a destination you'd build a week-long trip around, but it's a legitimate local spot worth knowing if you're based in the Hudson Valley or passing through on a longer road trip.
Virtually all of the climbing here is bouldering. The listings include problems at Dorson's Rock and surrounding formations, with no sport or trad routes in the current active listings. If you're bringing a rope, this isn't the right stop.
There's a real mix. Problems like Easy Flake and Fern Gully are accessible for newer boulderers still building technique, while lines like Ogre's Teeth, Lifes A Reach, and the crack problems skew toward intermediate and experienced climbers. It's worth having a range of problems to project if you're visiting with a mixed-ability group.
Dorson's Slab
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Dorson's Rock
New York climbing area with routes for multiple skill levels.
Not My Chaucer to Bare
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Little Bit Of This
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Cedar Park Cemetery
~29 min drive
New York climbing area with varied routes in a historic cemetery setting.
Kipu Krack
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Crack Bck Mt.
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Horseshoe North Cliff
~48 min drive
Versatile New York crag with routes for climbers of various abilities.
Ian's Route
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Scraped Shin
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Fossil Wall
~48 min drive
Accessible New York crag with climbing for multiple skill levels.
Pearlvana
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near New York.
Bouldering
Old Chatham, New York
Bouldering
Old Chatham, New York
Bouldering
Old Chatham, New York
Bouldering
Old Chatham, New York
Bouldering
Old Chatham, New York
Bouldering
Old Chatham, New York
Bouldering
Old Chatham, New York
Bouldering
Old Chatham, New York
Bouldering
Old Chatham, New York
Bouldering
Old Chatham, New York
Standard bouldering kit: crash pad or two, climbing shoes, and a brush for holds. The crack problems like Crack Head and Crack Bck Mt. may benefit from tape if your hands aren't conditioned to crack climbing. There's no gear rental in Old Chatham itself, so come fully equipped.
Spring and fall are generally the best seasons for bouldering in the Hudson Valley — cooler temps mean better friction on the rock. Summer can be humid and slick, especially on slab problems like Dorson's Slab. Winter is possible on dry days but check conditions before making the drive.
The listings don't include specific access or parking details, so it's worth checking a current source like Mountain Project or contacting a local climbing club before your first visit. Access situations at smaller, locally-known areas like this can change, and confirming land status ahead of time is good practice.