Climb Gneiss – Page 18 – Western Massachusetts Climbers' Coalition

group of trail workers pose at base of Farley crag

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.

As we focus our efforts on new opportunities, you can help us reach our goals by checking out an upcoming event or just donating today! Becoming a member of the WMCC strengthens the local climbing community and puts us to work protecting our climbing resources.

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Access: Rattlesnake Gutter

June 2010 As you may or may not be aware, the WMCC has been actively working with the Town of Leverett to develop management strategies for rock-climbing in Rattlesnake Gutter. […]

Our Crags

dark forest gives way to grey cliff walls

Rattlesnake Gutter

October 3, 2016

The Gutter, a deep boulder-strewn ravine located north of the gated road, contains an interesting boulderfield and broken cliffbands where climbing is neither prohibited nor actively managed.

Sunbowl

October 3, 2016

NEW PARKING LOT! SUNBOWL OPEN The aptly named Sunbowl is located in sleepy Sunderland, MA. Although the rock quality is fairly poor and the number of routes modest, the moderate grades, temperate micro-climate and easy access make this one of Western Massachusetts’s most popular crags for novice leaders or those seeking a quick workout.

Roadside

October 3, 2016

The Roadside Crag is located in Montague, MA one mile from the entrance to Wendell State Forest and three quarters of a mile from Mormon Hollow. This tiny cliff offers surprisingly pumpy but mostly moderate bouldering with a one minute approach.

yellow wall at Farley, trees surround top of cliff

Farley Ledges

October 3, 2016

Many climbers traverse Route 2 in Farley, Massachusetts numerous times, looking for - but never quite catching sight of - Farley Ledges tucked behind the trees. While this search might prove to be an apt metaphor for one's entire trip, the high concentration of tall, hard routes and excellent bouldering make the effort worth it.

Reservoir Rocks in Great Barrington

October 3, 2016

The boulders at Reservoir Rocks in Great Barrington is comprised of compact and finely textured Gneiss which lends itself to technical and aesthetic climbing. Although there does exist a large main face home to some great top roping routes the spotlight belongs on the fantastic bouldering at “the Res.”

Flag Rock in Great Barrington

January 28, 2023

Flag Rock is a satellite climbing area in Great Barrington with about a dozen established boulder problems and good potential for further development. The climbs here range from tall moderates to classic harder lines featuring small holds and powerful movement. The approach is shared by a popular hiking trail on the back side of Monument Mountain that leads to a scenic overlook.

Mormon Hollow

October 3, 2016

Mormon Hollow sits inside the beautiful Wendell State Forest in Wendell, MA, just a few miles south and across the Millers River from Farley Ledges. Although Mormon is smaller then Farley, its impeccable rock quality, high concentration of routes, and relative solitude make this crag a very worthy destination.

Chapel Ledge

October 3, 2016

Chapel Ledge is tucked away in the quiet hills of Ashfield, MA. This spectacular setting has strong roots to the climbing history in Western Mass and has evolved into one of the area's premier beginner crags.

Hanging Mountain

February 22, 2021

Hanging Mountain lays in the small, southwestern Massachusetts hamlet of Sandisfield, just three miles from the Connecticut border. The WMCC owns 14 acres of mountainside and jointly manages the area with Connecticut’s Ragged Mountain Foundation through a Joint Stewardship Committee.

Skinner

October 3, 2016

The Skinner area is located on the southern edge of Hadley, Massachusetts inside the beautiful J. A. Skinner State Park. Although modest in size, the high quality of both the stone and the routes themselves make Skinner an excellent destination for a solid day of climbing.

Happy Valley & The Hideaway

October 3, 2016

These two areas represent some of the finer bouldering in the Pioneer Valley. While these are technically two distinct areas, they are located from the same access point and are within a 10 minute hike of one another.

Rose Ledge

October 3, 2016

Rose Ledge represents one of the region's most popular climbing destinations and deservedly so. The 40’-60’ cliff line contains a plethora of climbs for all abilities (5.4-5.13) though excels in both number and quality of moderate climbs.

The Dark Side in Great Barrington

January 28, 2023

The Dark Side is, in many ways, the antithesis to Reservoir Rocks. It spreads through an older, shadier part of the forest and the boulders here are less trafficked, harder to get to, and spread out. Already grabbing your shoes and chalk, right? Yet for the enthusiastic climber willing to hike a little, some of the best boulder problems in Great Barrington can be found here.