Since the mid 1800s, the Adirondacks have had a rich climbing history. The goal of this site is to investigate the people and places that have shaped climbing culture and ethics in the Adirondacks. Due to the rugged, remote terrain and sheer size of the Adirondack park, climbing there has always been an adventurous activity for those who value commitment and self-sufficiency. Unlike other famous northeast crags like Cathedral Ledge in New Hampshire or the Trapps in southern New York, one will rarely look out from the cliffs and see roads and swarms of people. Unlike Rumney or the Red River Gorge, one will rarely see bolts on the crags, or excessive chalk marks indicating where to go. Instead, the Adirondacks offer solitude, and a climbing experience unique to the eastern US, aside from a few spots in New Hampshire and Maine.
A glossary of common climbing terms can be found at http://www.climbing.com/skill/climbing-dictionary/ if needed. For those interested in more information, we recommend buying a copy of Adirondack Rock, by Jim Lawyer and Jeremy Haas (http://www.adirondackrock.com). Even the most popular crags like the Beer Walls in Keene Valley are very difficult and unintuitive to navigate without a guidebook. Even better, hire a guide for a day out on some real Adirondack Rock! They will teach safe climbing practices and ensure that you have a memorable day out on the cliffs. Listed below are links to some of the most reputable guide services in the Adirondacks:
Adirondack Mountain Guides: http://www.adirondackmountainguides.com
Adirondack Rock and River: http://www.rockandriver.com
Alpine Adventures: http://www.alpineadven.com
Cloudsplitter Mountain Guides: http://cloudsplitterguides.com