Author: Chris Irwin

  • Peregrine Falcon Closures at Harpers Ferry NPS and The Narrows

    Significant portions of the climbing areas at both Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and The Narrows (aka Lover’s Leap) in Cumberland, MD are closed to visitors effective February 15- July 31, 2020. These closures occur seasonally to protect Peregrine Falcons during the nesting and mating season. Since human disturbance can cause nest abandonment and the…

  • Progress on Harpers Ferry Campaign – Maryland Crags are Open!

    Maryland Heights Re-opens: Last week, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park removed two temporary closures from the park’s website. Today, park officials confirmed with Mid Atlantic Climbers via email that two of the closures in effect have been lifted. With both the temporary closure from the June 2018 landslide, and the 2019 Peregrine Falcon season closure…

  • Raptor Closure 2019 – Cumberland Narrows

    Effective March 1, 2019 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has closed a portion of the Cumberland Narrows, aka Lover’s Leap, cliffs in Cumberland Maryland to the public. This seasonal closures exists to protect Peregrine Falcons during their courtship, mating, and breeding. Peregrine Falcons were once endangered and, while their numbers have grown in the…

  • MAC Open Meeting – The Future of Climbing Needs Your Voice!

    Mid Atlantic Climbers is excited to host a public meeting at the new REI Flagship store in Washington, DC. This meeting is open to everyone regardless of membership status. It will be a great opportunity to find out what Mid Atlantic Climbers is all about and what events and projects we have in the works. It…

  • Maryland Heights Peregrine Falcon Closure 2017

    Peregrine Falcons have again returned to Maryland Heights. These birds of prey were once endangered, and while their numbers have increased, they still need our support for successful breeding seasons at cliffs across the country. Effective Feb 17, 2017 a portion of the Maryland Heights cliff face and cliff top at Harpers Ferry National Historical…

  • The Best Intentions…

    The Best Intentions… Recently, approximately 500 feet of new trail was built between two small cliffs at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park without proper authorization by the National Park Service. While the trail builders likely had the best intentions – wanting to improve access between Balcony and Balcony Jr. and some of the nearby boulders-…

  • The Sykesville Secret is Out!

    Mid Atlantic Climbers is excited to feature this guest blog post by local climber John Brunson. This post is the third in a series focusing on some of the great climbing in and around the Mid Atlantic region. The two previous posts explored the historical climbing in Patapsco State Park. Local Bias After living in Sykesville,…

  • Access Fund and MAC meet with Harpers Ferry NPS

    An Historic Park Harpers Ferry National Historic Park sits at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers and at the borders of West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. In addition to its importance in American history, the park is home to beautiful natural resources and recreation opportunities. Visitors who come to learn the town’s role in the…

  • Ellicott City Flood Affects Climbing at Patapsco State Park

    Update 11/20/16:  Friction Wall is open thanks to the efforts of climbers and the park. Original Post: On July 31st, Ellicott City was devastated by a severe flash flood. Patapsco State Park has closed the Avalon Section of the park until further notice due to unsafe conditions (including sewage leaks) and to allow the park staff…

  • Climbing’s Past and Future in Patapsco State Park part 2

    Mid Atlantic Climbers is excited to feature this guest blog post by local climber John Kelbel. This post is the second in a series focusing on some of the great climbing in and around the Mid Atlantic region, you can read the first post here.   Climbing in Patapsco State Park Patapsco State Park encompasses…