SAFE HARBOR
Safe Harbor is OPEN from dawn to dusk, year-round.
Type of climbing: Sport Climbing
Location Safe Harbor North: Enola Low Grade Trail/River Road map
Location Safe Harbor South: Green Hill Road map
Land ownership and management: Conestoga Township (South) & Manor Township (North)
Current Access: Open. Seasonal Raptor Closures effect Cemetery Wall at Safe Harbor North
SCPC Lead Ambassador: Seth Derr (Lead Ambassador); Crys Moore and Cassie Ortenzio (Co-Ambassadors)
Ambassador contact: seth@scpclimbers.org, crys@scpclimbers.org, cassie@scpclimbers.org
Additional Information: Safe Harbor is an area in Manor and Conestoga Townships in Lancaster County. Originally climbed in the 70’s and 80’s, access was contentious and restricted for years before both presiding townships opened the crags to the public about a decade ago. It is a collection of primarily single pitch sport crags known for a thin, crimpy style on slightly slabby walls, with the bulk of the routes falling in the 5.9-5.12 range. There are a few more difficult lines as well as some traditional routes and multi-pitch sport and/or trad routes. A comprehensive, full color, tirelessly researched, Pulitzer Prize worthy guidebook to both Safe Harbor North and South is available for purchase at local gyms or by contacting Seth (email above), with a regularly updated companion app available through GunksApps. Full approach/parking/route information can also be found on Mountain Project here.
Safe Harbor South
Safe Harbor South is the more popular, accessible, and concentrated climbing area, located in Conestoga Township. This area has a number of classic climbs with the bulk of climbs in the moderate range. Classics include Hydroman (5.11a), Autumn Arch (5.10b), Wonderama (5.12a), and Blood, Sugar, Magic (5.11d).
Eric Horst on Wonderama, not long after his first ascent (25 years ago).
Safe Harbor North
Safe Harbor North’s crags are more spread out and in some cases offer longer, steeper climbing. Some of the routes may require longer ropes or multiple pitches. Some crags have belay areas that can start from 10 to 50 feet up from the rail trail, making them much less "kid friendly" than what’s offered at Safe Harbor South.