Rock Climber Injures Spine After Falling 30 Feet In Hudson Valley

The warmer weather has finally arrived for much of New York State and everyone is racing to get outdoors. One bit of warning, take it slow! A Massachusetts climber fell 30 feet while rock climbing and needed to be carried out of a New York park.

On Thursday May 21at at approximately 3:50pm, Ulster County 911 reported a climber fell 30 feet while climbing the Arrow Wall in Mohonk Preserve. Forest Ranger Rusher was on the property with Mohonk Park Rangers at the time. They responded with New Paltz Rescue Squad, Gardiner Fire Department, and New York State Police.

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The 53-year-old from Massachusetts suffered injuries to the spine and pelvis. Rescuers determined a rope rescue was the safest way to evacuate the subject. It was a 40-degree slope 100 feet above the carriage road and continued down rocky steps for another 150 feet.

After the carryout, a Mohonk Park Ranger drove the climber to an ambulance that transported them to MidHudson Regional Hospital.

According to Bivy, the Arrow Wall is a great destination for classic Gunks climbing with excellent rock, plenty of corners and overhangs, and with beginner-friendly difficulties. There are several access trails from the carriage road to the cliff.

Read more; This New York Man, Trapped In A Hudson Valley Cave, Makes Narrow Escape

The main descent options are bolted rappel routes near Annie Oh!, Arrow, Feast of Fools, and The Last Will Be First. As always, be aware of parties below you when rappelling as there isn't always good visibility below.