New York · Rock climbing · Keene

Pitchoff Chimney Cliff

21 routes
5.6 – 5.12a/b
Trad · Sport

Pitchoff Chimney Cliff is a climbing area in the Sentinel Range Wilderness of New York, managed by the State Department of Conservation. It sits within the wilderness, so plan on a backcountry outing rather than a short day trip. Summer is the most comfortable time to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Lake Placid show July highs around 74°F with lows near 54°F, while winter highs stay in the 20s. Several other destinations lie within a short drive. Pitchoff Mountain Trail is about a mile away, and Porter Mountain Trail and Cascade Mountain Trail are each roughly 1.4 miles off. Barkeater Cliff, another climbing area, is also about 1.4 miles away.

  • Best time to go

    Best time to visit Pitchoff Chimney Cliff

    No month here meets our mild-weather rule. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      23° / 6°

      18 wet

    2. Feb

      27° / 8°

      14 wet

    3. Mar

      36° / 16°

      14 wet

    4. Apr

      49° / 29°

      14 wet

    5. May

      62° / 40°

      15 wet

    6. Jun

      70° / 49°

      14 wet

    7. Jul

      74° / 54°

      14 wet

    8. Aug

      73° / 52°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      66° / 45°

      13 wet

    10. Oct

      52° / 35°

      15 wet

    11. Nov

      40° / 25°

      16 wet

    12. Dec

      28° / 14°

      18 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Lake Placid 2 S, NY, 7.6 mi away at 1,888 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Routes (21)

Roaches on the WallFA: FA--Jerry Hoover and Bob Bushart, 9/79 FFA--Rick Fleming, 5/805.10PF FlyersFA: Don Mellor, Bob Bushart, June 19815.10-Coffee AchieversFA: Don Mellor, Mike Heintz - 19855.10bRock and Roll StarFA: FA 1977, Eric Rhicard, Morris Hershoff, John Deladucca5.10cStar SailorFA: April, 1981--Don Mellor5.10cAnniversary Waltz5.10dFlying SquirrelsFA: 1986 Patrick Purcell, Jeff Edwards5.11bRaging RavenFA: FA--Patrick Purcell 19935.11bRun Higher, Jump FasterFA: 1982 Chuck Turner5.11bRunning of the BullsFA: Pat Purcell, Don Mellor July 19895.11bHidden ConstellationFA: FA from Pete's P2 belay: May 25, 1984, Don Mellor, Bill Dodd, Jim Cunningham; FA (complete) May 17, 1985, Don Mellor5.11dWalking the TightropeFA: George Ide and Hobie Walker5.12a/bGreat ChimneyFA: Fritz Wiessner, Jim Goodwin5.6The Lonely5.6Pete's FarewellFA: Pete Gibb and Dave Gilyeat5.7Bogosity (Link-up)5.8The DisputedFA: S. Peter Lewis & Mark Arsenault - 19795.8The ElFA: Grant Calder, John Wald, July 19765.8Dynamo Hum5.9Wald-Calder RouteFA: Grant Calder and John Wald 19765.9Brrright Star5.9+

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