Moss Island Bouldering Climbing

Aside from a handful of problems that exist along the canal path on the south side of the island, a number of problems exist on the rock outcroppings and potholes on the north side of the island. "Potholes" are not quite like the ones on the roads around here, but are waterworn grooves and holes in the rock. In this case an extinct waterfall that was once the size of Niagara Falls carved out these numerous features, fueled by the massive glacial lake at the foot of the extinct Laurentide ice sheet - Lake Iroquois. Lake Iroquois retreated after the ice age, leaving behind behind the Lake Ontario, as well as the Finger Lakes, Oneida Lake, and of course Moss Island. More recently, these potholes are said to have been used to hide looted livestock and goods during Native raids on the earlier colonizers, and similarly for revolutionary raids on the British a bit later. Now they're just cool to look at when they aren't graffitied, and of course you can climb in them. The natural uniqueness of the area is offset by the proximity of the overpass and a railroad, and the accumulation of garbage either from the Mohawk River or litterbugs. Watch for broken glass.

The most geologically interesting zone might be the small beach-side set of small slot canyons, which for the purposes of documentation are called The Narrows. A number of problems have also been done in the surrounding area and potentially another cove to the east. The area "Above the Narrows" consists of a collection of smaller but relatively clean boulders. To the northwest are more potholes, small outcrops up to 50' tall, and water-side blocks. Flooded landings and dirty rock are hurdles to development. The rock itself is really good, honestly. Bullet hard metasyenite which has an abundance of texture and friction. It's really, really climbable when it is clean. The jet black stuff seems to be the best in my limited experience. 

A good option for locals and climbers visiting family in the area who don't want to spend the extra time for a visit to the southern Adirondacks or the Gunks