Thacher Park is OPEN for the 2026 climbing season as of April 9, 2026
Cave Wall is closed for climbing until May 1, to protect bat migration. All other climbing walls are open!
2026 Climbing Permits:
- Click this link or the permit link on Thacher Park’s homepage to download the application. It will be digital form, so there is nothing to print or email this year!
Once you have your climbing permit, you must sign-in/out at the trailhead register each time you climb. Please ensure that you do this every time you climb – it helps with safety and shows the Park how many people use the climbing area.
Also, we’ve created a Google form for reporting problems on the trails and on the walls. If you come across any loose or broken bolts, eroded trail sections, etc., please let us know by filling out this google form.
You can also email the TCC if you have any questions/concerns regarding your visit (info@climbthacher.org). As always, have fun and be safe!
Hours:
Climbing is permitted from dawn until dusk (the Park closes at dusk). In the past, climbers were required to pick up physical permits from the Visitor Center. Starting with the 2023 season, this is no longer required.
Directions:
It is free to climb at Thacher, but there is an $8 parking fee during the regular season (May-Nov). The contactless pay booths will tell you if you need to pay. The NYS Parks Empire Pass is valid at Thacher Park.
GuideBook:
The Thacher Climbing Coalition has partnered with Gunks Apps to develop an app guidebook. It can be downloaded to your phone for $10 (and helps support the TCC!).
- The cliff is unique in that you park at the top of the cliff and hike to the bottom
- The hike to the bottom requires going through a small squeeze chimney
- You CANNOT access the routes from the top. They must be sport lead from the ground-up
- All routes are established for sport climbing and equipped with bolted anchors and either lowering rings or pigtails for lowering
- Many routes require a stick clip to reach the first bolt (the TCC has provided ~10 stick clips scattered throughout the base of the cliff)
- There are no restrooms at the base of the cliff. Carry wag bags and dispose of them properly or use the restrooms at the Hailes Cave Pavilion.
- It is highly recommended to wear a helmet!!
- Although the park allows dogs, no dogs are allowed in the climbing area
- Pack out all trash and follow LNT practices
- The cliff becomes very slippery in the rain but sections dry easily with sun/wind
Emergencies:
You can always Dial 911
(518) 872-1237 – Park Office
(518) 487-5400 – Albany County Sheriff
Camping:
Developed camping is available at Thompson’s Lake State Campground and is only a 5-min drive from the cliff. There are hot showers, bathrooms, some electric sites, and a beach. The campground is only open during the summer.
Dispersed camping is available at multiple State Forests in the area for free. Use this interactive map from the NYS DEC to find acceptable public lands to camp at.
Other Activities:
The Indian Ladder Trail is a very popular hiking trail with views of waterfalls and cliffs. The Park is also known for mountain biking, trail running, x-country skiing, swimming (at Thompson Lake).
Additional Infomation:
You can find additional information about Thacher State Park by visiting their website.
If you are looking to get involved with the Thacher Climbing Coalition, subscribe to our mailing list with the button at the bottom of our website or email us at info@climbthacher.org.