Green Pond, NJ

KarenNJ wrote: Oh my goodness I am laughing so hard at this and the map.

Hi Karen! I just wanted to drop a note to say thank you for taking the time to come on our site and post the thorough write up you did for our members and other climbers. Absolutely above and beyond so thank you!!! And please if you are having continued issues please know you can reach out to us here and we can hopefully work to address any issues through various channels.

Second on what Morgan said, Karen. Thank you!

While climbing on the cliffs is on City of Newark property - and they do not allow climbing as a recreational activity (aka it's illegal to climb there) - it is people like you Karen that restore some faith in humanity! You're extremely kind and understanding and climbers always hope for more property owners such as yourself. Thank you.

P.S. Love the picture of your dog. Although I wouldn't want to randomly encounter them on your street. Thanks for the warning!

beta on nj climbing hx. climbers should contact Morris County Park System so as to enhance access. outdoors.org/publications/a…

access to green pond is predicated on climbers assuming risk for access. crossing folks backyards is stupid considering legal sites to park and yes your not going to get some huge number of parking areas. obtain a copy of the NY/NJ walk book. follow directions for parking for the red dot trail. access in and access out. otherwise one is tresspassing. course green pond is for "soul climbers of the highlands". Yes, the most legal way to enjoy the cliffs is to go to the office on echo lake rd. Get a permit for hiking. Park at the trailhead. Walk up to the top of the cliffs. Although as mentioned actual climbing is not permitted.

KarenNJ wrote: Yes, the most legal way to enjoy the cliffs is to go to the office on echo lake rd. Get a permit for hiking. Park at the trailhead. Walk up to the top of the cliffs. Although as mentioned actual climbing is not permitted. I really don't mind people cutting through the front once in awhie but can't speak for my neighbour. I have lived at #35 for over 30 years and people getting to the cliff is just part of the norm. We have never had issues and most people ask which I appreciate. I would much rather you go through the front vs tying to come through the back. People showing up in the woods behind the house is pretty suspicious to the dogs. Weekdays are very quiet on the street and you would bother less people.

Thanks for sharing the info!

jia wrote:beta on nj climbing hx. climbers should contact Morris County Park System so as to enhance access. outdoors.org/publications/a…

Very cool read, thanks for the link. I stumbled upon this site as I am trying to figure out the history of this area. Back in the woods is what appears to be a pumphouse and there are old foundation ruins near the start of the jeep trail. I personally have never climbed but I spent a significant amount of time climbing on the talus field up to the sheer cliff as a child. No idea what my parents were thinking! Can anyone explain what causes the talus field (I think that is what it was called)? I assume it's pieces of the cliff face breaking off but the amount of rocks there is significant. Every so often we hear a piece falling but I never knew of its because someone is up there or the cliff face just breaks away.

KarenNJ wrote: Can anyone explain what causes the talus field (I think that is what it was called)? I assume it's pieces of the cliff face breaking off but the amount of rocks there is significant. Every so often we hear a piece falling but I never knew of its because someone is up there or the cliff face just breaks away.

That's the cliff breaking.

A well-traveled climbing area (for example, The Gunks) will have a lot less loose rock and vegetation on the rock face. Climbers will definitely avoid the sections of loose rock but sometimes a peice just comes off.

Michael C wrote: That's the cliff breaking. A well-traveled climbing area (for example, The Gunks) will have a lot less loose rock and vegetation on the rock face. Climbers will definitely avoid the sections of loose rock but sometimes a peice just comes off.

Something like 12,000 years of the freeze thaw cycle?

karen, grew up in oak ridge, started climbin' on local resources back in the late '60s. i still visit and climb in the area. zap me a private email to ingvarja@verizon.net will foward material on same. also check climbnj0.tripod.com/ john anderson

try link: njedl.rutgers.edu/search_re…

Thanks for the great info in this thread, all!  Edit: PS, was driving through the area a week ago and took this pic of the cliffs from a cutout on the road. photo was taken here

Are there any new developments? I remember someone saying two gents approached the Parks Commission about access. Any news? I really want to climb here but would prefer not getting my gear confiscated.

Alex W ?

 On that Hot day when we went in from the Top? 

We Met the Neapolitan Mastiffs, the Guy Walking the two dogs as big as me. 

Other than that we saw No One & if you recall, after our 1/2 mile detour, (the dogs scared us into a wrong way) 

I skipped the rocky road & Limped out thru a private drive way. 

What , here in this thread or any where else, gives you the idea that there is confiscation of gear going on? 

Go climbing, just like we did. Be respectful don't leave trash, Like we, pick up & carry out if you find trash. 

The climbing has a lot of Ground fall potential; run out 5.4(?) Some cruxes happen above gear, 

also where there had been gear before, it is now missing. 

This is a great unpolished diamond, but it seems chossy in comparison to

when you climb here after you have a few Mill Brook visits under your harness. 

After a pitch or 2 , here, you will feel better, it is a different sort of zone. 

Great to terrifying, Blocky, Low angle, steep, ledgy, Blank - all describe Pudding Stone adventures. 

Don't go if your not able to lead & manage rope/ route finding, 

All climbers should be Experienced ,

Most of the Cliffs do not lend themselves to learning. 

There is A strong history of mixed alpine winter ascents .

I just asked my friend who works for the parks commission and is in charge of the old craigmere land about climbing on the cliffs behind the property. Will let you know if she responds.

Someone was climbing on the Deerhaven cliffs recently, ran into my husband walking in the woods behind the house. Hoping he was nice if it was anyone of you!

the jersey approach and mike may disagree on this but the e jersey approach is stay discrete. park on the north side away from the ski area and no-one will give a ship. officially one needs insurance to climb there. woulkd think that use has slacked off some. expect to encounter trash at the bowling alley. routes may require gardening. watch out for nesting raptors and owls. enjoy the climb PM me at ingvarja@verizon.net and i'll zap back a guide. mike may have a different tack on climbing there. its not an easy place to climb.

yo mikey, lost your muckin' telephone number. zap me your number at me private e-mail. ingvarja@verizon.net climb to live, live to climb

Perhaps I am wrong but this is not public land in the sense of Nation Forest, National Park or BLM.
It is county property and as such the county can administer it the way they wish. Somewhat like a county skating rink or ballpark.
Additionally with regards to surfing. You mean like having to buy beach badges (pay for access) and surf on the "surfing beaches" while the various municipalities have their "Life Guards" (guides) protect you.

the general area of green pond cliffs is managed by federal/state/county/municipal/city and private entities. nothing wrong in paying an access fee.

This place has got to happen. Even the Nears are getting crowded these days. Karen, we appreciate your interest and help in the whole situation. I look forward to hearing back on what your friend has to say. Hopefully she is understanding and doesn't bring the hammer down any further!. Maybe show her this...https://www.accessfund.org/educate-yourself/for-land-managers/risk-management-strategies

Who wants to go tomorrow?