Will’s Mountain State Park

Will’s Mountain State Park, also known as the Cumberland Narrows, offers over 200 routes to Western Maryland. Dominantly traditional routes, there are also top rope routes spread out through the area.

Status

The Department of Natural Resource bought the Artmor Plastics Corporation property in March 2024, which is adjacent to the State Park. An environmental assessment and ecological review is currently being performed in anticipation of the park being reopened. From February 15 through July 31, a portion of the park is closed by DNR to protect Peregrine Falcons. After July 31, the Park will remain closed, by authority of DNR. However, there are other portions owned by Allegany Holding CO. Using this land and climbing is considered trespassing on private property.

Climbing undertaken in these locations against these restrictions may have consequences.

A sign announcing climbing closure at a wildlife area, with a map showing the restricted zone marked in red, and various bird nesting wall labels. The sign informs that the area is closed from February 15 to July 31 to protect peregrine falcons and provides contact information for disturbances.
A person rock climbing on a vertical cliff face wearing a harness, helmet, and climbing shoes, with trees in the background.

Wills Mountain Public Meeting with DNR

On June 11, DNR held a public meeting to discuss the closure and answer questions.

Keep a lookout for more dates.

A person rock climbing on a steep cliffside with a helmet, harness, and ropes, overlooking a lush green valley with trees, roads, and hills in the distance.

While a portion of the park is under DNR assessment, we encourage you to reach out if you have questions.

Some articles to read and learn more

Joshua Kurtz: Secretary of Natural Resources.
Email: josh.kurtz@maryland.gov

Sandi Olek: Director of the Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Email: sandra.olek@maryland.gov

Sarah Milbourne: Western Region Manager.
Email: sarah.milbourne@maryland.gov

About The Narrows

The Narrows are the longest continuous crag in the state of Maryland being just under three-quarters of a mile from end to end, with cliff heights ranging from 20 to just under 200 feet or 6-60 meters.  The Narrows has approximately 200+ known routes ranging from <5.6 -5.10.

This is primarily a trad and top-rope area and apart from a handful of rap stations (circa 12), there are almost no bolts at this crag.  For multi-pitch climbing, there are plenty of ledges to set anchor using gear or trees. For single-pitch climbing, there are sufficient trees up high to use as anchors. The routes that can be set up for top-rope are primarily on the left half of the cliff, at the Far Wall area.

The Narrows has a reputation for loose rock including large loose rocks, yet it is not the utter choss pile that some claim.  However, there is loose rock here, possibly more than you are used to. We strongly recommend  you to always wear a helmet and do not assume that every hold is solid.

Two rock climbers, one wearing a red shirt and climbing gear, are on a rocky cliff, with one above the other, surrounded by green foliage and an overcast sky in the background.
Photo of a rocky cliff with labels indicating various features, including 'Neptune Massif,' 'Blueberry Wall,' 'SciFi Wall,' 'Star Wars Wall,' 'Overlook,' 'Sunshine Buttress,' 'Northwest Face,' 'Sandpile Wall,' and 'White/Moss Wall.' The sky is clear
A rocky cliff face with sparse trees, labeled 'Fun Land' at the top and 'One Pitch Wonder' on a middle section. A blue dashed line depicts a trail winding up the slope.
Person in climbing gear ascending a steep rock face while another individual, wearing a blue shirt with "Western Maryland Climbing Coalition" on back and a safety helmet, observes from below.
Rock climbers ascending a rugged cliff, equipped with harnesses and climbing gear, amidst a natural outdoor setting with trees and cloudy sky.
Two climbers outdoors on a rocky ledge, surrounded by fall foliage and a forested mountain landscape, with one wearing a helmet and the other in a teal jacket.
Person rock climbing on a steep cliffside with trees and a valley in the background.
A man is rock climbing on a vertical cliff, wearing a helmet, harness, and climbing gear with a rope attached for safety.
A person rock climbing on a steep cliff with a cloudy sky in the background.
Photo of a rock face with various climbing walls and routes. The walls are labeled as 'Rama Wall,' 'Cumber Honey Wall,' 'Jim Pick Wall,' and 'Howling Wall' in yellow text. The background features a clear blue sky.