Thacher Park has made it easier than ever to complete your free yearly climbing permit application. Instead of filling out a paper copy during your first visit of the year, you can complete the fillable PDF found above and email it to JBThacher@parks.ny.gov.

You must complete a new application each year before your first visit of the new climbing season. Permits are good for that season from opening until Dec. 31st. The permit application is a fillable PDF found at the link above or on the Park’s homepage.

You still need to pick up your physical permit during normal hours (9 am-5 pm) with a photo I.D. on your first visit. Because of COVID-19, the Visitors Center Building is physically closed but you can pick up your permit at the service window just left of the main entrance.

They will give you a climbing pass (to keep on you) and a dashboard pass to display in your car. ID is required to pick up your permit. Once you have your passes, you must sign-in/out at the trailhead register using your permit number (issued at the park office) each time you climb, this is mandatory. Please email the TCC if you have any questions/concerns during your visit (info@climbthacher.org). As always have fun and be safe!

Hours: Climbing is permitted from dawn until dusk, HOWEVER, you must pick-up your permit at the Visitors Center between 9 am and 5 pm on your first visit of the year. The Park closes at dusk.

Directions: The Visitors Center can be found on Google Maps at John Boyd Thacher State Park, Voorheesville, NY 12186. For the climbing, follow the signs for the Hailes Cave Parking Lot and park only in the graveled areas. DO NOT park on the grass or along the roadway.

Fee: It is free to climb at Thacher, but there is a $6 parking fee during the regular season. The contactless pay booths will tell you if you need to pay. You can also use the NYS Parks Empire Pass 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 pigtails for rappelling or 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: Dial 911

(518) 872-1237 – Park Office

(518) 487-5400 – Albany County Sheriff

Camping: Thompson’s Lake State Campground is a 5 min drive away from the cliff and a great place to stay. The campground is only open during summer.

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 information: 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!