General Rock-Climbing Information for the NJ Highlands

Respect NJ’s Fragile Climbing Resource

WILDLIFE

NJ’s climbing sites are in craggy, remote areas of the State. Endangered and threatened species; timber rattlesnakes, northern copperheads, woodland raptors, owls and bobcats inhabit such areas. seasonally posted

Restrictions on climbs in NJ. Be aware of nesting raptors. If you come across a raptor nest on a climb, back off immediately. Federal, State law and smart climbing protects these birds.

Contact the NJ Endangered and Non-game Species Program (ENSP) to report sightings of rare, threatened or endangered wildlife. The phone number for ENSP is 609.292.9400 and mailing address is PO Box 400, Trenton NJ 08625.

The complete list wildlife can be reviewed at:www.njfishandwildlife.com/tandespp.htm

For more information on the ENSP visit: www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensphome.htm

Climbing Site Endangered Critters

Poisonous Timber Rattlesnake

Peregrine Falcon frequent NJ’s Cliffs

Great Horn Owl nest on NJ’s Cliffs
Source: Falcon/Snake/Owl – US Fish & Wildlife Service Conservation

Stay on established climbing paths. Destruction of fragile plants and soils accelerate erosion and spread noxious weeds. If you are hiking in areas without trails followexisting drainages andstable ground.

Mountain Spleenwort

Prevent erosion damage. Protect Rare Species & Vegetation, Any user of a natural area has an impact on its ecology.

Don’t Litter

Trash — Pack out everything including cigarette butts and food waste. Food scraps attract insects, rodents and other animals. Try and get into the habit of removing trash left by others, especially small items such as finger or gear-marking tape. Consider bringing a garbage bag for this purpose.

General Climbing Info

• Bolting, fixed anchor moratorium
• No hold chipping or gluing holds

Bring in – Pack out

• Follow NJ State Park Rules & Regulations
• Climbers must sign an annual wavier in the NJ State Parks
• No Drugs or Alcohol
• Park in established sites.Consider car-pooling.
• Minimize Chalk UseClimbing Groups must follow State Regs.
• WARNING: ROCK CLIMBING AND BOULDERING IS DANGEROUS AND MAY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH
• Emergency Information: Access roadside. Dial 911
• Cell Phone Coverage is not comprehensive in the Highlands

CLIMBING ADVOCACY

ACCESS NJ is a State Wide grass-rootorganization whose mission is to act as advocate for rock climbing in NJ.
www.climbnj.com
Mt. Holly, NJ
609-518-7388

The Access Fund is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to keeping climbing areas open and to conserving the climbing environment. The Access Fund advocates on behalf of approximately one million technical Rock climbers and mountaineers in the United States. The Access Fund acquires and manages land, works cooperatively with public land managers on conservation projects and management planning, provides funding for conservation projects and scientific studies and develops and distributes educational material. Call the Access Fund at (303) 545-6772

Climbing Federation: is an organization dedicated to the enrichment and improvement of the climbing community. https://www.climbersfederation.com/

V3 Last updated: March 16, 2005   Copyright © 1996-2005  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.