GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF SELECTED CLIMBING CRAGS IN NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND

New York and New England have a complex and varied geologic history, which has resulted in various world-class rock climbing areas. This study documents the geologic history and characteristics of specific climbing areas in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. The ultimate goal of this study is to make the processes that created these areas understandable and available to the general public, as well as guide services through a full-length book. Both bedrock and surficial geologic process are discussed with respect to what rock types dominate certain climbing areas, what evidence of geologic events are visible from these climbs, and what makes each area suitable for recreational climbing. The areas investigated in this study include the Chapel Pond area in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, NY; the Shawangunks’ in the Catskill Mountains, NY; Deer Leap of Sherburne Pass, VT; Brandon Gap on Mt. Horrid, VT; Rumney of Rumney, NH; Pawtuckaway in Raymond, NH; and Cannon Cliff in Franconia Notch, NH.