2021 Peregrine Cliff Closures

It’s the time of the year when Peregrine Falcons fall in love and find places to nest. The Mohonk Preserve has confirmed Peregrine activity at Bonticou, Millbrook and the Trapps.

As a result, the Mohonk Preserve is announcing the following temporary climbing-route closures effective Saturday, 3/20/21:

• Bonticou Crag – no climbing in the area known as The Sunbowl
• Millbrook Ridge – no cliff access south of Westward Ha!
• Trapps Cliff – no climbing between and including Overhanging Layback (5.7) and Brave Valkyrie (5.5).

To help protect the nesting Peregrine Falcons:

• DO NOT use ascent trails or rappel routes that access these areas.
• DO NOT use the trails at the top of the cliff in the closure area.
• DO NOT use the section of the cliff base climbers trail between these routes.
• PLEASE refrain from excessive noise making while in the vicinity of these closures.

Peregrine Falcons are listed by the State of New York as an Endangered Species and we are legally obligated to protect their nesting areas at Mohonk Preserve. The Peregrine breeding season may possibly run through late summer.

The Preserve has worked collaboratively with the climbing community for decades to help protect the Peregrine Falcons and appreciates their support of our conservation mission as they continue to enjoy the hundreds of unrestricted climbing routes available at Mohonk Preserve.

To learn more about why the cliffs have to be closed to climbing when the Peregrine Falcons are nesting, read our 2016 blog post Why Cliffs Are Closed For Peregrine Falcons. We thank you for your patience and helping to protect the Peregrines.