Farley Ledge Closure
Tuesday April 14th: Formal Press release on Farley Closure:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Erving, MA—The Western Massachusetts Climbers’ Coalition (WMCC) announces that effective April 3, 2026, all climbing access to Farley Ledge is closed until further notice.
Access to the primary trail system leading to Farley Ledge is no longer available due to a change in landowner permission for public access. At this time, there are no confirmed routes that provide safe, legal, and complete access to the climbing areas. Trail rerouting is currently not a viable option and the WMCC asks that climbers do not attempt to go off-trail to access any part of the crag. As a result, all sections of Farley Ledge, including the WMCC parking area, are closed.
This closure represents a meaningful loss of access for many local and visiting climbers. Featuring trad, sport, and bouldering routes, Farley is the most popular crag in southern New England, seeing thousands of visits each year.
“We know how important Farley is to the climbing community,” said Andy Neuman, President of the WMCC. “We appreciate the community’s cooperation and patience as we work through a complex and evolving situation.”
Private landowners have the right to close their property as they see fit. This closure is not caused by climber conduct. As land boundaries and permissions are being clarified, there is currently no timeline for reopening. Unauthorized use could jeopardize ongoing efforts to restore access. As a local alternative, climbers are welcome to visit Rose Ledge, Catamount, The Sanctuary, or Mormon Hollow, all within a 15 minute drive of Farley.
“Recreation—especially on private land—is a privilege,” Neuman said. “Now more than ever, it is paramount that we climbers respect the closure and honor the wishes of the landowners. We also ask that climbers maintain outdoor etiquette while at neighboring crags.”
The WMCC is actively working toward a long-term solution in collaboration with partners, including the Access Fund. Efforts are focused on identifying sustainable access options and advancing the development of a new parking area on WMCC-owned land, which is intended to support more secure and reliable access to the cliff.
Community support is critical to this work. Contributions will directly fund parking lot construction, stewardship efforts, and long-term access solutions. To support the Farley Conservation Initiative, please visit https://donorbox.org/farley.
Please direct any questions about the Farley closure to the WMCC at wmcc@climbgneiss.org or @wmcc_climb_gneiss on Instagram. Additional updates and detailed information will be shared at the WMCC Board Meeting on April 15 (virtual and in-person at Central Rock Gym Worcester).
The Western Massachusetts Climbers’ Coalition (WMCC) is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer climbers’ organization that works to build inclusive relationships with diverse advocacy groups, state and local governments, landowners, and conservation groups to keep climbing areas open and accessible to climbers from all backgrounds, and to conserve the climbing environment in Western Massachusetts.
Media Contact:
Regina Madden
WMCC Board Member
