Elevation: | 1,187 ft | 362 m |
GPS: |
42.4836, -72.762 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
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Page Views: | 22,549 total · 145/month | |
Shared By: | Aric Lively Savage on Aug 10, 2012 | |
Admins: | sara mcfadden, Old Timer, jim.dangle, Joe M |
Description
"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. This southwest-facing rock is boldly featured granite reminiscent of crags in the White Mountains or Yosemite. Slabs dominate the moderate climbing here; however, more difficult test pieces, such as Ken Nichols' Forget-Me-Knot (5.11+), can be found on brief, overhanging sections of the walls.
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So, basically it's a wonderful little outcropping with a few great sections. All the faces get up above the trees and into the good southern sun. There are some great trad leads, just enough solid toprope bolts and plenty of big trees to keep everyone climbing. A few good boulder problems can be found, but these cliffs lend themselves to great routes with nice views at the top so bring a rope and some gear. The cliff is divided into 4 basic sections, the Main Face, Aid-free Wall, The Roof, and the Upper Ledges. The best info and topos can be found in Stewart Green's "Rock Climbing New England" and on the WMCC site (climbgneiss.org).
When done with climbing, head across the road and take a dip in the usually icy Chapel Falls. Always remember to pack out your trash and drop a few bucks in the Trusties donation box!
Getting There
from 91, take exit for rt 116 North. stay on 116 for 11.2 miles and turn sharp left onto Williamsburg Rd. in 2.3 miles park in pull off on right side of road.
Reporting Climbing Anchor or Trail Maintenance Issues to the WMCC
If you encounter an issue with a bolt anchor or a trail maintenance issue at any Western Mass crag that the WMCC stewards, please let us know about it by filling out this form: Western Massachusetts Hardware Replacement and Crag Maintenance Reporting Form
Non-Liability Policy for Fixed Anchors and Rock Climbing:
"The WMCC shall assist landowners, land managers and other pertinent individuals regarding fixed anchor applications and make recommendations concerning fixed anchors based upon aesthetic and natural resource criteria. The custom and practice in the climbing community is for individual climber members of the community to install and maintain fixed anchors and other hardware. The WMCC itself does not install or maintain any fixed anchors or other hardware and shall make no representations or warranties regarding the safety, reliability, or suitability for use of any fixed anchors or other hardware, currently existing or installed in the future, on any climbing route or otherwise. Moreover, the WMCC shall make no representations or warranties regarding the degree of hazard or danger involved, or lack thereof, on any rock climbing route or access trail."
Classic Climbing Routes at Chapel Ledge
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