“Please understand that climbing areas will still be there once this crisis passes. The best way to return to normal in the shortest period of time is for all of us to do everything we can to stop the spread of the virus as quickly as possible. In many cases, that will mean that we simply shouldn’t go climbing.”

– The Access Fund

At this time, even as some stay-at-home orders ease up, a number of crags continue to stay closed to climbers. Most gyms are still closed, many public spaces require masks, and social distancing remains one of our best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Beyond our regular gear and safety precautions while climbing, every outdoor climbing session in 2020 will likely require additional planning, checking state COVID-19 restrictions, and verifying the access status of the crag you intend to visit.

EAST COAST CLOSURES (Updated June 10th)

You can check more climbing closures on the Access Fund’s website here, or click on a location below to see if there are updates about reopening.

Farley Ledge, MA
Rumney, NH
The Pound (Rumney), NH
Rhode Island State ParksGeorge Washington & Jefferson National Forests,
Pawtuckaway State Park, NH
Mohonk Preserve, NY
Thacher State Park, NY
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, NY
Powerlinez, NY

COVID-19 Recommendations for Climbers

Please err on the side of caution and follow the guidance in the graphic below.

1. Follow the lead of your Local Climbing Organization. (If you are in the Southeast New England/Boston metro area, we’re working to consolidate relevant information on this page. If you intend to climb outside your local area, please check with the organization that covers the crag you hope to visit.)
2. DO NOT travel to climb. 
3. Strictly comply with all shelter-in-place and similar orders.
4. Strictly comply with all closures and restrictions, and follow federal, state, county and city guidelines on social distancing.
5. DO NOT take unnecessary risks. Don’t be the person that creates more stress and burden for our medical and SAR professionals. 

Please Check with Local Organizations Before Visiting a Crag – May 21st, 2020

As an organization, SNECC covers a large group of climbers who are a major contributor to the Density issue addressed in a recent letter shared by our fellow LCO’s, land managers, and the Access Fund. We know that lots of the areas that are popular with our members are a significant distance away and often across state lines, such as Western Mass or Rumney in New Hampshire. We urge climbers in Southeast New England to invest time upfront creating multiple back-up plans in case areas you go to are crowded. You should make sure that your travel to crags is not against the guidance of your local government, the land manager, or the local government or LCO of the area you plan to go to.

You can read the full letter on the Western Mass Climbing Coalition’s website and follow them on social media to stay tuned on climbing restrictions/openings in their climbing region.