h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Believe it or not, Central Park in the heart of Manhattan island has some wonderful bouldering spots. I know, I know...New York City....can't possibly be a place to rock climb...But Central Park actually has some of the best natural rock spots I know of in this (northern nj/nyc) area. I have been to several of the spots with friends of mine climbing (I couldn't climb though because I was a few months after breaking an arm, not from climbing...)Chess & Checkers, Cat Rock, Rat Rock, just to name a few. I haven't been climbing there in a while, but, on a nice day, walking through the park, you can usually see plenty of people out bouldering on random rocks, with just a few pads down on the ground, and perhaps a pal for spotting or just company.

There are even some spots for top-rope climbing, though I'm not so sure on how pleased the Conservency would be with people climbing there.

For some indoor, preset routes, there's Chelsea Piers, which I haven't been to, but is another option for climbing in the city (if you aren't one to try climbing the buildings and spending a night in a jail somewhere...)

wow! i had no idea there were places to climb in NYC. i'm jealous! i have to drive at least an hour to get anywhere with real rocks!