Rat Rock, Climbing area in Central Park, Manhattan, US
Rat Rock is a natural rock formation in the southern section of Central Park, near Columbus Circle, used as an outdoor climbing area. The rock offers a wide range of routes in a small space, from low horizontal traverses to overhanging sections.
The rock was among the first spots in New York where city climbers trained regularly in the decades after World War II. Over time, named routes developed there and were passed down within the climbing community.
Climbers from across the city come here regularly to work on routes together and share techniques. The rock has become a social spot where you can watch people of all levels throughout the day.
The rock sits at the southern edge of Central Park, close to Columbus Circle, and is easy to reach on foot. On warm days the spot gets busy, so visiting in the morning gives you more space to climb.
Some routes on the rock carry invented names like 'The Horn' or 'Death By Dizzy' that describe movements found nowhere else in the city. These names are passed on by word of mouth and appear in no official guide.
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