Towering high above the Ausable River, Moss Cliff is an eye-catching and looming crag for Adirondack climbers. With innumerable chiseled cracks, and a huge amount of rock, Moss Cliff offers challenging routes for both free and aid climbers.
How to get there
On Rt. 86, park at either the Copperas Pond or Moss Cliff pull-offs. From the Moss Cliff pull-off (indicated by a "climbers and grimpers" sign), walk towards Lake Placid until the metal guardrail becomes a stone wall. Go over the wall, and follow the steep herd path down to the river. If the water is low, you might wade across and continue up the steep unmarked hill to the base of the cliff. If the water is high, and no Tyrolean cable is rigged to cross, you will need a boat to cross safely.
Rock climbing
This area has some very challenging routes. A great assortment of 5.9 and 5.10 cracks make for a granite climbing paradise if you have the skills to crack climb at that level. Moss Cliff also holds one of the only aid walls in the 'daks. Be sure to consult a guidebook such as Adirondack Rock for more detailed information. These routes are difficult, committing, and require proper beta.
Subject to periodic closures due to peregrine nesting seasons. Consult the DEC webpage, Adirondack Rock Climbing Route Closures, for the latest information.
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Explore More in the Whiteface Region
Explore More in the Whiteface Region
Climb, stay, and dine in the Whiteface Region
Crags in the Whiteface Region offer world-class trad climbing, and some sport climbing to boot. This is an experienced climber and beginner trad climbers' paradise.