Category: Access

  • 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…

  • Mid Atlantic Climbers and Access Fund respond to lack of public engagement in regards to climbing closures at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

    On Friday, February 8, Mid Atlantic Climbers (MAC) and Access Fund (AF) sent a letter to express our disappointment in the continued lack of public engagement in regards to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park’s June 2017 Superintendent’s Compendium, Section 13 that lists rock climbing access closures and restrictions*. The letter also reiterated our request to lift the closures of…

  • Mid Atlantic Climbers and Access Fund respond to new climbing closures and restrictions at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

    On Monday, July 9, Mid Atlantic Climbers (MAC) and Access Fund (AF) sent a letter to express our disappointment in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park’s June 2017 Superintendent’s Compendium, Section 13 that lists rock climbing access closures and restrictions. The letter also requested that Harpers Ferry retract Section 13 and initiate a transparent, collaborative process…

  • Get Involved: Volunteer with Mid Atlantic Climbers!

      Did you know Mid Atlantic Climbers is an all volunteer organization? As our membership continues to grow, we’re looking for new volunteers to help fulfill our mission of preserving access to climbing areas in the Mid-Atlantic region, while promoting responsible climbing and environmental stewardship. Currently we are seeking to fill an open board position…

  • 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-…

  • Looking Ahead to Another Year of Climbing Stewardship

    2016 was another banner year for climbing access in the mid-Atlantic region. Thanks to the support of Mid Atlantic Climbers members and volunteers, last year we continued to expand our community of climbing stewards and build relationships with local land managers in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. MAC volunteers put in 816 hours of…

  • 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…