Farley Ledge was closed on April 3rd when a private landowner posted No Trespassing signs on their property, cutting off access to Farley from the current WMCC owned parking lot on Route 2. 

However, about 60% of the climbing, including crags such as the Wall of Early Morning Light, the Lowlands and Crag X, are located on FirstLight power land. The WMCC was already working on a new trailhead to access these crags - we purchased the 70 acre parcel known as the ‘Rock Property’ with the help from the Access Fund and received special permits from the town in 2025. What we need now are funds to build the new parking lot and re-open the west side of Farley!

To expedite the parking lot construction, an anonymous donor has pledged to match up to $125,000! That means your donation will be DOUBLED during the month of May.

$50 = $100

$100 = $200

$250 = $500

To learn more about the WMCC’s work to protect Farley Ledge, watch this video. The video was completed several months before the closure, but shows clearly how one closure was able to shut down access to the entire crag and how the new parking lot will help re-open access to Farley.

Rock Property: Protecting Access to Farley Ledge

About the WMCC

The Western Massachusetts Climbers Coalition is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and conserve the climbing environment in western Massachusetts. The WMCC owns Hanging Mountain, a climbing area located in Sandisfield, MA, and stewards over a dozen other climbing areas in western Massachusetts.

Our Vision

A new trailhead on Old State road not only re-opens Farley, but benefits the entire community. The space will serve climbers, hikers, and community members who wish to enjoy Farley Ledges. With ample parking for visitors, bathroom facilities and a shed to store trail tools, this will provide a true home base for the WMCC. The 70 acres will remain mostly untouched and protected by a conservation restriction. The forest will provide important habitat for animals and help mitigate climate change. There is still more work left to do after the new parking lot is built. Over 50% of the climbing at Farley is still privately owned, and we must respect the wishes of these land owners to not publish route information for routes on their land. The long term goal of the WMCC is to conserve and protect the entirety of the ledges.

Stay up to date on this project, such as volunteer opportunities, major milestones, and parking lot construction, by following us on Instagram @wmcc_climb_gneiss .