Rose Ledge – Climb Gneiss

Rose Ledge represents one of the region’s most popular traditional 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. Some of the classics include Guillotine (5.8), Solar Flare (5.11b), Tennessee Flake (5.10) and Beginners Corner (5.5). The rock, similar to nearby Farley Ledge, is gneiss with obvious horizontal cracks and features. Many climbs at Rose are leadable with traditional gear though the crag remains most popular as a toprope area as access to the top is easy and straight forward.

Rose Ledge is located in Northfield off of Route 63 just south of the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center. From Route 2, turn north onto Route 63 and look for Poplar Mountain Road on the right after about 1.5 miles. Rose Ledge is owned by FirstLight & Power and they have allowed climbing at Rose and at other areas on their property including Farley. The relationship the WMCC has established with FirstLight and the Recreation and Environmental Center has been crucial to preserving access to these crags so please respect any and all rules posted.

You can purchase the Rose Ledge guidebook by Al Rubin in our store.

Parking

About ¼ mile up Poplar Mountain Road across from the obvious garage, is a parking lot on the left. This lot is private property and the owners have been gracious enough to allow cars to park here for years so please be considerate. There is a $3 dollar fee for parking that can be placed in the box provided.

The property owner at the end of the road currently owns and uses the initial portion of the dirt road so please do not leave your gear where it blocks access to his property. Also be aware of the restrictions on pets. No dogs are allowed, leashed or not, past the parking lot to the trailhead. Please respect these requests.

Map

Click here for a link to the interactive map above of all the Western Mass crags discussed on this site.

Trails

From the parking lot, continue walking up the hill. You will see an obvious paved road heading up to the left, closed off by a yellow gate. Continue up this road toward the power lines. Take the next available left onto a road that is not paved. Down to your left you will find signs for “10th Mountain” and “Rock Oak Ramble” trails. Follow the direction for these trails and cross another set of powerlines. Continue straight on the trail and dirt roads until you see a sign for “Rose Ledge Trail” and head up to your right (about a 15 min. hike).

Access Status: Green

In 2023, FirstLight Power recognized rock climbing as a recreational activity. Therefor, free public access for climbing at Rose Ledge is guaranteed for the foreseeable future. Rose Ledge was the site of the 2004 Access Fund’s Adopt-A-Crag initiative which was hosted by the WMCC and the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center. All of the trail work including the stone steps and ladder up the main gully were a result of this effort.

Commercial Guiding

Since Rose Ledge is completely owned by FirstLight Power, climbers and other visitors are obligated to follow the rules and regulations established by the Northfield Mountain Environmental & Recreation Center. Part of these regulations include restrictions on the licensed use of Rose Ledge for professional guiding services. At this time, FirstLight and Northfield Mountain are not interested in allowing licensed use of the Ledges for commercial climbing classes or trips.