In the northeast of New York, about 224 miles away from the city, the Adirondacks National Park, with its many natural wonders and breathtaking experiences, stands strong. Amidst the sprawling forests and towering peaks, the strong and vibrant community of rock climbers continues to grow.
Rock climbing in the Adirondacks is more than just a typical physical activity. It is a journey and experience that tests both your mind and body. The region boasts some of the most scenic and challenging climbs in the Northeast, such as the iconic Chapel Pond and the remote Panther Gorge. Climbers from around the world come to experience the unique blend of accessibility and seclusion offered by these mountains.
Tom Rosecrans, the owner of Rocksports, a company that has been conducting tours and training for rock climbing since 1992, shares his perspective on the unique climbing environment in the Adirondacks. “The climbing in the Adirondacks is so dispersed over one of the larger parks in the United States, so there's cliffs everywhere and it'll never be like the Shawangunks, Yosemite, or North Conway. It's just too dispersed and you can go to cliffs and not see another person, whereas if you go to some of those other places you wait in line to do a climb.” The variety of climbs that the park offers is one of the best aspects of the Adirondacks. Tom, who has been a teacher for 29 years, has pointed out that the Adirondacks have changed massively in the past years. “It's kind of a laughable thing now, but back in those days, there were only a hundred climbs in the Adirondacks. And now we have several cliffs that have more than a hundred climbs on them in total.”
With many new trails, cliffs, and climbs being introduced every year, rock climbing has gained more and more popularity. This has been great for local tourism, as rock climbers who like to stay, sleep, and eat have been coming at a greater rate, year after year improving the local economy. Surprisingly, spring and summer are not the most popular time to go rock climbing, in the fall when it’s not too cold and the color of the trees is a beautiful sight, is when the Adirondacks see its most amount of rock climbers. Regardless of the warm temperature, rock climbing in the spring/summer is a nightmare due to the high number of black flies and mosquitoes.
Rocksports, which Tom has owned since its establishment, has seen a huge increase in people each fall, who are not just excited to Rock Climb but also to learn. Tom, who loves guiding tours and meeting new people, says, “They're the best clients ever because they know if they don't follow directions, bad things can happen. So, you have to be in the moment and it's all absorbing. And if you can share that with some new people, that's the thing I liked about it the most.” With the countless number of climbs scattered throughout the Adirondacks, rock climbing serves as a great activity to do by yourself or with your family. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a new challenge or an experienced climber seeking a thrill the region provides a diverse range of routes.
The best part of rock climbing in the Adirondacks is something that can’t quite be put into words, an experience that you need to experience for yourself. Whether you’re seeking an adventure, a personal challenge, or a moment where you're standing at peace above all, each climb offers a sense of accomplishment and awe that any person would love. With its endless routes, stunning views, and a community that welcomes all skill levels, the Adirondacks continue to be a climber’s paradise, just waiting to be explored.
Tom Rosecrans
Interview Date: 2/28/2025
Phone Number: 518-321-2837