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New Jersey

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About New Jersey:

Welcome to the Garden State!

ACCESS UPDATE:
01/14/07
--- NJ State Parks comment period OPEN NOW---- Tell NJ to include climbing and bouldering in their list of approved activities. click here for more info. More in access- Sommerset Sourlands open, Hunterdon county Sourlands remains closed.

Introduction: While many people think 'New Jersey' and see only images of the Turnpike and Port Elizabeth; most residents know that no matter which exit you take, the road will eventually lead you to some absolutely beautiful areas. Don't miss out on paddling in the Pine Barrens, a few days on the Shore and the mandatory egg-and-cheese on a hardroll (available at any diner).

Access Info: Access NJ is currently trying to ensure that bouldering at the Sourlands in both counties remains open. If you climb in these places, remain low key, wash off all your chalk and if possible don't use bouldering pad. also check out Access NJ and see what you can do to protect our resources!

In 2005, Access NJ and the Access Fund succeeded in lobying NJ State Parks Department to ammend the laws regarding recreational uses of state parks to include rock climbing. Under the new legislation, climbers who sign a liability waiver are permitted to rope up and bouldering in NJ State Parks. Property. Again, Climbers must first obtain and sign a liability waiver from the State Parks Department.

Where to Climb: If you're looking for a great place to practice top roping, and meet some more people, Allamuchy State Park is the place for you. This is one of the more accessible and popular areas for climbers of all levels (5.3-5.11). If you're interested in a multi-pitch adventure on the NJ-PA border check out the Delaware Water Gap, its the same rock as the Gunks, just pitched a little differently and not in such pristine condition as its neighbor.  If you're looking from some real adventure head up to Waywayanda State Park, access has finally returned to this adventure area with opportunities for bouldering and multipitch climbing. Not much in the Routes DB yet- but thats up to you. 

A Word of Caution: Remember, as the disclaimer says when adding a new route or area, "You're Actions Have Consequences." Just because you've discovered some boulders or a 40ft overhanging piece of heaven- this does not give you the right to spray about it or publish the directions to it.

New Jersey is a crowded state, and its safe to assume that over the past 80 years nearly every hunk of rock has been climbed. Most places that are not currently published (online or in print) are closed. If you continue to climb at an area while its closed, you are hurting the future of our sport and inviting terrible legal precedents.

I (cadaverchris) won't discourage people from exploring New Jersey, just be careful, courteous, and discrete. You are the ambassadors of our sport.

Community looking for partners or beta? Send an email to or join the list serve newjerseyclimberscoalition@yahoogroups.com For access updates and grassroots political actions check out Access NJ for the latest access issues.

Forum Discussions (12 posts)

  Subject Author Replies Last Post
With Replies NE climbing with kids. paolin 1 May 19 2015, 6:10 PM
With Replies quality of rock climbing near NJ risgd 3 Dec 07 2014, 1:05 AM
No Replies Your actions have consequences. desertwanderer81 0 Sep 12 2012, 11:15 PM
No Replies Lost chalk bag @ Rick rocks. Brickyardgreg 0 Jul 24 2012, 3:16 PM
With Replies Ramapo Reservation Tacti21 11 May 21 2014, 6:34 PM
No Replies Tourne county or Wawayanda climbing? allterrain360 0 May 11 2010, 3:14 PM
No Replies "A Year in the Life" mrdeadpt 0 Dec 02 2009, 9:27 PM
With Replies Climber seeking climber... yogaboy 1 Sep 30 2009, 6:58 PM
With Replies Suggested Climbing Areas near Ft Dix jsb279 2 May 20 2009, 11:27 PM
With Replies climbing NJ? jcoop 8 Feb 11 2009, 10:28 PM
With Replies NJ, Allamuchy State Park, Route Beta mrdeadpt 1 Oct 01 2009, 5:27 PM
With Replies Access NJ and taking action saphius 3 Nov 01 2008, 12:29 AM