The Gunks Climbing Festival in Shawangunk, New York, draws climbers and outdoor enthusiasts eager to engage with one of the Northeast’s most celebrated climbing destinations. The dramatic cliff faces along the Shawangunk Ridge are fiercely themselves—offering challenges that demand stamina, technique, and respect from visitors. But beyond climbing, this festival is a gateway to an environment both wild and accessible, where the forest breathes a steady rhythm through its rocky contours.

Located about 60 miles northwest of New York City, the festival invites participants to test their skills on routes ranging from beginner to expert over approximately 70 miles of climbing terrain. The ridgeline climbs sharply—expect elevation gains around 800 to 1,200 feet on the most popular routes, with sandstone edges that reveal panoramic views of the valley below. The rock surface’s grip can feel alive beneath your fingers, responding to the textures and crevices you find.

Festival-goers find themselves navigating a network of trails that blend shaded forest paths with open ledges, providing moments to catch breath and absorb the vista. Bring proper climbing shoes to harness the friction of the rock and consider using chalk to manage the grip during long routes. Hydration is essential—the air can cling to you under the summer sun, and the wind off the ridge can fluctuate unpredictably. Timing your climbs for early morning or late afternoon helps avoid peak heat and crowds.

The festival’s mix of guided outings, workshops, and social events creates an environment where both novices and veterans trade tips and stories. There’s a shared understanding that the Gunks remain raw and untamed, a place where nature doesn’t yield but rather invites a negotiation between human will and rock.

Beyond the climbs, the surrounding trails offer hikes with moderate elevation changes—like the nearby Millbrook Mountain Trail, a 5-mile loop with about 750 feet of gain, rewarding hikers with sweeping ridgeline views. Footwear with sturdy soles and ankle support is recommended to handle rocky, sometimes uneven terrain.

Parking near popular sections fills early; carpooling or arriving ahead of crowds ensures easier access. The festival usually runs in late September, a prime window when fall colors begin to assert themselves, turning the forests into a display of amber and crimson.

Whether you’re picking your route for the first time or chasing your personal best, the Gunks Climbing Festival offers a grounded experience—adventure shaped by hands-on challenges and a landscape that lives and pushes back. The rocks dare you to read their character and keep pace, rewarding preparation and respect with moments that call you back year after year.