Platte Clove Climbing

Platte Clove is one of the most popular (and thus busiest) ice climbing areas in the Catskills. To protect this resource please pay special attention to the parking situation and respect the private property rights of the local landowners. It is easy to envision access issues becoming more difficult considering the amount of climber traffic this area sees. Due to the limited parking (in the hikers lot, do not park at the end of the road), it is essential for groups to carpool when possible. Please take all elements of your impact on the area seriously and do the little things that will help promote a more pleasant atmosphere and climbing experience for everyone.

The Devil's Kitchen is known for its easy access and proximity to the road. Climbers will find excellent moderate to difficult ice lines and mixed climbing routes. The Kitchen is only one of several closely situated ice/rock bands, but generally they are separate areas that are best accessed via a different approaches. As you descend past the Kitchen, you will find Bridalveil Falls on the right side, above which is Plattekill Falls and further down the ravine is Japanese Falls. Above these waterfalls, higher on the walls of the ravine, are found the Light Side and the Dark Side areas. Named based on the amount of sun they get on a normal winter day, the Light Side comes in rarely and goes out quickly. The Dark SIde has both upper and lower sections which have become decidedly more popular in recent years as the number of climbers has increased.

The Black Chasm requires an approximate 40 minute approach which mostly follows a well traveled hiking trail until one has to drop down and left into the ravine. Depending on conditions, you may be rewarded with some of the hardest pure ice leads in the Catskills and, for those so inclined, there are mixed climbing opportunities as well.