Antlion FAQ

Antlion FAQ

We are extremely grateful for all your support so far! There’s still a way to go, but we’re happy to report that we continue to make progress. Since the initial announcement, we have been getting numerous questions about the newly purchased crag. We are way psyched to be sharing this news with you all. Below you will find answers to some of the questions we’ve been hearing. We appreciate your interest and will continue to answer your questions as the project moves forward.

Frequently Asked Questions about Antlion

Who owns the cliff?

The cliff is owned by the Gunks Climbers’ Coalition.

Antlion trap

Antlion larvae trap

Where did the name Antlion come from? 

The Antlion larvae reside at the base of the cliff. You can see their traps built around the cliff base area. The name became an informal way of identifying the crag by early climbers.

Is the cliff open for climbing?

The cliff is not yet open for climbing.

Where is the Antlion?

The cliff is surrounded by private property. There is no way of getting there without trespassing on the neighbors property. We will be accessing the cliff over an easement we have purchased once the trail and the parking area are complete. If you are interested in learning more about the area come on out and help us work on the trail.

When will the cliff open?

The cliff will open when the trail and parking area are completed, and a management plan is drafted and implemented. We are expecting to be ready to open by Fall of 2021.

Will I need to pay a day use fee?

There will not be a day use fee.

How long did it take the GCC to make this happen? 

From the initial outreach to the landowner to closing was a three-year process.

What will the money be used for?

The GCC acquired the property from private landowners who support climbing in the Gunks. The donations will primarily be used to pay back the loan from the Access Fund. Other costs include survey fees, construction costs for the parking area, legal fees for acquiring the property, and long term maintenance.

What are the next steps to get the cliff open?

Our next steps are to procure the equipment and building materials needed to build the parking lot and trail. In parallel we will be drafting a management plan with an emphasis on stewardship and conservation of resources.

Besides making a one time donation, what are other ways I can help?

  • Set up a monthly recurring donation through gofundme. $10/per month over time would go a long way.
  • Provide the GCC with grant assistance if that’s in your wheelhouse
  • Ask your employer if the GCC is eligible for a corporate donation
  • Contact us about becoming a matching sponsor
  • Share the campaign with your friends on social media
  • Volunteer for trail days

We are also looking for equipment donations to begin construction of the trail and parking area:

  • A couple tons of Item #4 Gravel
  • Grip Hoist Model TU-17K / Tirfor 1-Ton Wire Rope Hoist Rescue Kit  –  $2,075.00
  • Cable Come Along. Model VEO2650. Comes with 65 ft cable (5/16th inch cable)  –  $321.15
  • Come along. Economy Two Speed. Model VEO264  –  $57.25
  • Two (2) Nylon slings. Six foot. Model  AS13810  –  $17.93 ea.
  • Two (2) Nylon slings. Eight foot. Model AS13660  –  $20.40 ea.
  • One (1) 100 ft. 5/16th cable, galvanized.  Model AS10230  –  $61.67

How can I volunteer for trail days?

Submit our Volunteer Sign-Up Form. There is a lot of work that needs to be performed on the approach and at the base of the cliff. The GCC remains committed to minimizing human impact so that everyone can climb for years to come.

Will the GCC be working with the neighbors? 

The neighbors have been an important part of this project from the start. Without their support this would not be happening and we will continue to seek their input at all stages of the project.

I have a bunch of other questions. Who can I get in touch with? 

Please contact Peter Cody at pcody(at)gunksclimbers.org

Thanks again for your support and stay tuned for more updates!