New York · Rock climbing · North River

Shanty Cliff

4 routes
5.0 – 5.3
Trad · Mixed

Shanty Cliff is a climbing area in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness of New York, managed by the State Department of Conservation. It sits among several other climbing spots, including Shanty Sports Arena, Main Cliff and Nugget Knob, all within about a tenth of a mile. That makes it easy to pair with other climbs in the same cluster. The routes here are all trad, with one mixed route, and they run from 5.0 to 5.3 on the YDS scale. Definitely Not a Nugget is the easiest at 5.0, and Basti is the mixed option at 5.3. The climbing is compact, so a single visit can cover more than one route. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 75°F with lows near 54°F, while winter highs stay in the 20s. For a change from the rock, the Oregon trail and Little Joe Pond trail are both within about a mile and a half. The Sacandaga River, about 8 miles away, offers paddling.

  • Best time to go

    Best time to visit Shanty 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

      25° / 6°

      17 wet

    2. Feb

      28° / 7°

      14 wet

    3. Mar

      36° / 15°

      14 wet

    4. Apr

      49° / 28°

      14 wet

    5. May

      63° / 40°

      16 wet

    6. Jun

      71° / 49°

      15 wet

    7. Jul

      75° / 54°

      15 wet

    8. Aug

      73° / 53°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 45°

      13 wet

    10. Oct

      54° / 35°

      16 wet

    11. Nov

      41° / 25°

      16 wet

    12. Dec

      31° / 14°

      17 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Indian Lake 2sw, NY, 16.4 mi away at 1,670 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Routes (4)

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