Scale frozen waterfalls in Platte Clove with a guided full-day ice-climbing experience in Catskill Park. Learn technique, use provided technical gear, and tackle routes from short practice flows to long ice pillars while guides manage safety and route selection.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cold wind threads through the trees as you approach Platte Clove, the rock walls ahead dripping into threads of ice that catch the low winter sun. Guides clip ropes, metal teeth flash, and the canyon’s frozen cascades rise like vertical glass—some manageable 35-foot flows, others towering pillars that test commitment and technique. The air smells of pine and old stone; the cliffside seems to dare you upward.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate to good cardiovascular fitness and leg strength; able to hike on icy, uneven terrain and endure sustained exertion.
Wildlife
History
Platte Clove and the surrounding Catskills were shaped by 19th-century industry and later preserved under New York’s forest preserve efforts, creating today’s patchwork of public lands and trail systems.
Conservation
Ice routes are sensitive—avoid hammering or altering natural ice, follow Leave No Trace principles, and pack out all gear and waste to protect fragile winter habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Ice Climbing In Catskill Park NY today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for variable cold
Bring a moisture-wicking base, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell—temperatures can swing during activity and on the approach.
Bring a warm water bottle
Insulated bottles stay liquid in cold temps and help prevent dehydration—sips are crucial even when it’s freezing.
Check approach footwear
Wear boots compatible with crampons and traction on wet, icy trail sections to reduce slip risk on the hike in.
Expect early cancellation for poor ice
Guides may cancel for unsafe ice; have flexible travel plans and confirm lodging policies when booking.
Crampon-compatible insulated boots
Stiff, insulated boots allow secure crampon fit and keep feet warm during climbs and approaches.
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Waterproof breathable shell and insulating layers
Layering protects against wind, spray from ice, and keeps core temperature regulated between climbs.
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Warm, dexterous gloves
Thin liner gloves under an insulated outer pair preserve dexterity for tool placement and belaying.
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Insulated water bottle or thermos
Keeps fluids from freezing and encourages hydration on cold days.
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