Please read all information below before registering for the ParaCliffHangers Gunks Fall Weekend!

The registration form for this trip is not fully VI accessible. We are working with Better Unite to improve the site's accessibility. If you need assistance registering for the trip, please email denny@paracliffhangers.org, who is happy to assist!

Intention

This day is designed to foster a welcoming climbing community where paraclimbers feel invited, supported, and encouraged to build their own connection with climbing—both outdoors and within their community. Join us for a day filled with skills training, community climbing, camping, hiking, and more, as we come together to learn, grow, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Waiver

All participants of this event must be ParaCliffHangers members. Please click on this link to sign up for a ParaCliffHangers membership and to sign a Move United waiver! Additionally, everyone in the Climbing Area during the trip MUST fill out a waiver with Rise Outside in order to participate, including those who do not plan on climbing, such as parents, friends, personal care attendants, etc. All participants will receive a link to sign a Rise Outside waiver once registered for the Gunks Fall Weekend.

Suggested Donation

ParaCliffHangers is a community-funded nonprofit organization. With your support, we are able to provide these outdoors climbing trips at little to no cost to paraclimbers in the community. ParaCliffHangers covers the cost of AMGA certified climbing guides, access to the Mohonk Preserve, and food for the weekend. If you are able to donate to support ParaCliffHangers, the suggested donation is $100. Every contribution allows us to continue and grow the paraclimbing community across the country.

Event Details

Schedule

Friday, September 27, 2024
1PM - 6PM: Friday night arrival at the AAC Gunks Campground
6PM: Dinner
Saturday, September 28, 2024
7:30AM - 8:30AM: Breakfast
9AM - 4PM: Skills Training Break-Out Group / 9AM-4PM Non-trainee will have access to accessible hiking at the Gunks and New Paltz
6PM: Dinner
Sunday, September 29, 2024
8AM - 9AM: Breakfast - Pack up camp + prep lunches - AAC Gunks campground checkout
9AM - 3PM: Community Climbing Day
4PM: Dinner

Transportation to and from the Mohonk Preserve is not guaranteed.

Skills Training 

Approved paraclimbers will have the opportunity to participate in small-group, outdoor-specific skills training, where they'll learn essential techniques such as gear placement, following a trad leader, anchor building, and rappelling. Participants in this session will also receive a complimentary Gunks membership. A limited number of volunteers will be invited to join this exclusive training experience, making it a valuable opportunity to enhance both skills and community connections.

Community Climbing Day 

This event is open to paraclimbers of all experience levels, offering a chance to climb together, share techniques, and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're new to climbing or a seasoned pro, this is a great opportunity to connect with others, build skills, and be part of a supportive climbing community. All are welcome to participate in this day of climbing, camaraderie, and adventure!"

Lottery Disclaimer:

All tickets for this event will be allocated through a lottery system due to limited availability. A set number of tickets are available for both the Community Climbing portion and the Skills Training sessions. Priority for Skills Training access will be given to paraclimbers who demonstrate proficiency in basic climbing skills, such as belaying, climbing, and effective climbing communication. Paraclimbers who are not interested in camping or do not wish to attend the Skills Training are still welcome to join us as a day trip participant OR a weekend camping participant.

Contacts

Trip Lead  | Denny Kowska denny@paracliffhangers.org
Lead Guide | Eric Ratkowski, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, SPI, WFR
Community Coordinator | TBD
Trip Support | TBD

Guiding Organization

Rise Outside is a collective of outdoor guides, educators, advocates, and activists who are dedicated to diversifying the outdoors. Their bottom line is a commitment to accessibility for underrepresented communities in the outdoors. Read more, and learn how you can support Rise Outside at riseoutside.org!

Packing List

• Camping Gear

  • Tent, including rain fly and ground fly

  • Sleeping bag

  • Sleeping pad

  • Pillow

• Personal Climbing Equipment: climbing shoes, harness, helmet, chalk bag

  • If you don't have access to one or more of these items, Rise Outside will provide them based on the answers you provide in your registration

  • All participants are required to wear a helmet in the Climbing Area, regardless of if they are planning to climb

  • Protective gear, such as knee pads, ankle guards, and long pants, as needed

• Clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Pants/shorts

  • Base layer shirts

  • Jacket

  • Extra layers, such as a sweatshirt, jacket, pants, and shorts can help to accommodate changing temperatures

  • An extra set of clothing, though not required, can be helpful in case of rain, emergencies, etc.

  • Rain gear

• Toiletries

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Towel (if you plan to shower)

  • Soap, shampoo, conditioner (if you plan to shower)

  • Shower shoes (if you plan to shower)

• Food + Drink

  • Personal snacks

  • ParaCliffHangers will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • Multiple water bottles; there are water spigots at the AAC Gunks Campground but not in the Climbing Area

  • Mess kit: plate or bowl and utensils

• Portable phone charger: there will be no electricity at the Climbing Area

• Important Medications

• Sunscreen

• Bug Repellent

• Headlamp

• Camp chair

• Fun stuff! (book, card game, camera, etc.)

• Backpack

Important Locations

Steel Bridge

• Parking is limited to two vehicles using the accessible parking spaces

• Participants who need assistance getting to the Climbing Area will be dropped off at this location and driven to the climbing area by Mohonk Preserve Park Rangers

Mohonk Preserve West Trapps Trailhead

• First choice for parking; one accessible parking space

• Participants heading to the Climbing Area from here should expect a 1/4 mile walk on a deep gravel trail with a slight uphill throughout

• This parking lot is not wheelchair accessible due to gravel depth and steep hill–if you are a wheelchair user and are driving, coordinate with the Trip Lead to park at the Steel Bridge; if you are a wheelchair user and you are not driving, plan to be dropped off at the Steel Bridge

AAC Gunks Campground

• The AAC Gunks Campground has reserved ADA accessible campsites for ParaCliffHangers

• 4 people and 1 car maximum per site; extra vehicles must park in the main parking lot

• Coin operated showers: $1 for 4 minutes

• Communal pavilion: shared picnic tables, sinks, and electricity for charging small electronics

• Public wifi

• Water spigots

Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center

• Second choice for parking; three accessible parking spaces

• This is not an accessible parking lot for access to the Climbing Area

• Participants heading to the Climbing Area from here should expect a 1/3 mile walk up a step of strenuous steps leading the participant uphill to the Carriage Road

Climbing Area

• The Climbing Area is along the Carriage Road, a mostly flat, gravel trail that is 10 feet wide

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge, with respect and gratitude, that we are living in and sustained by Lenapehoking, homeland of the Lenape peoples. The first peoples who lived here were the Esopus and Minisink people of the Lenni Lenape nationals. Wars and Indian Removal policies forced most of the Lenape westward. Many of their descendants continue to live here; others live throughout North America. We honor all indigenous communities–past, present, and future–as we seek to create a safe space for all.

Accessibility

Parking

There are two accessible parking spaces at the Steel Bridge, one accessible parking space at the Mohonk Preserve West Trapps Trailhead, and three accessible parking spaces available at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center. Parking is first come, first serve. ParaCliffHangers is not able to guarantee parking, and we encourage everyone to come as early as possible as parking routinely fills up on the weekends. At the AAC Gunks Campground, one car may park at each site. Additional cars will park at the general parking lot.

Bathrooms

There are two ADA compliant accessible bathrooms at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center. These are fully flushable, indoor restrooms with sinks and running water. At the Mohonk Preserve West Trapps Trailhead and near the Climbing Area, there are compost and dry toilets that do not have running water. These bathrooms are on a concrete ledge that is flush with the gravel, are large enough to fit a wheelchair in the restrooms, and have grab bars. At the AAC Gunks Campgrounds, there are accessible restrooms near the camping sites.

Trails

The trail that we will be spending the majority of our time on, the Carriage Road, is a gravel road that is 10 feet wide. The trail is flat where we will be stopping to climb but has changes in elevation on the way to and from the various parking lots. Additionally, there are no railings and a few benches along the route. ParaCliffHangers will ahve a few camping chairs available at the Climbing Area, but feel free to bring your own.

Climbing

Rise Outside establishes top rope climbs with various difficulties. They also set up adaptive climbing systems to support individuals based on their expressed needs in the signup form.

Please let us know if you have any questions regarding accessibility or any other aspect of the trip!

ParaCliffHangers Policies

Photo Release

Photographs or videos may be taken and used as ParaCliffHangers sees fit, including but not limited to, promotional or instructional use. Although not required, an effort will be taken by ParaCliffHangers to communicate with participants before publication.

All media will strive to respect participant privacy, not disclosing medical nor personal information, unless explicitly permitted. This agreement automatically allows ParaCliffHangers to use images.

A participant may revoke consent at any time regarding future publications, but it is up to the participants to make this known to ParaCliffHangers by emailing info@paracilffhangers.org, either forbidding use or requiring consent before publication.

Transferring

ParaCliffHangers welcomes all disabilities and attempts to create an empowering environment that makes climbing accessible to all people. Participants are required to be accompanied by a personal care attendant if they require assistance such as transferring from a wheelchair. ParaCliffHangers participants are not permitted to assist in carrying a paraclimber.

Protective Equipment Disclaimer

It is your responsibility to bring personal equipment such as knee pads, ankle pads, or long pants. If you require protective equipment and need support from ParaCliffHangers, reach out to the Trip Lead at least 10 days before the trip. ParaCliffHangers has the right to deny your climbing access without the appropriate protective equipment.

Safety Disclaimer

ParaCliffHangers has the right to remove climbing access to any participant for any reason if the participant's behavior is deemed unsafe. This includes, but is not limited to: not wearing proper clothing or equipment and disruptive or disrespectful behavior.

Donation - NOT A TICKET