James Shuford climbing at Covert Action

Covert Action is a small amphitheater above Manorville. The routes are all in the 50′-60′ tall range and can vary widely depending upon conditions. A good cold snap after a rain could yield several very interesting mixed lines to the right of the main falls. Covert Action can hardly be considered a destination spot like the Black Chasm. However, it has a beautiful approach through mature forests and dramatic views of the flat Hudson Valley landscape to the east. It’s highly unlikely that there will be crowds here due to the long approach.

Directions

Parking for Covert Action can be found at the Platte Clove trailhead. This is the same trailhead parking recommended for people choosing to climb anywhere in Platte Clove except the High Cliff. If the parking lot is not plowed, park at the end of the road but remember not to block the driveway and that you may get plowed in if it’s snowing.

Approach

From the parking area head north on the trail to Huckleberry Point. Follow blue markers initially and watch out for snowmobiles. After an initial hill and a few turns (continue to follow blue markers) reach the junction with the Huckleberry Point Trail. For most people this leg of the approach should take 15-30 minutes.

Follow the yellow marked Huckleberry Point trail to a vague, nondescript low spot in the trail. The best indication that you are in this trough is that you cross a substantial creek. Turn left off of the trail, following the right side of the creek and eventually bear right of the creek staying in flat open wooded terrain towards the edge of the clove.

The map below will help, and if you have a GPS and compass (fun practice for navigation in really big terrain when the visibility is poor). Clicking on the map will enlarge it. To print it click here. Total time for the approach should be 1-1.5 hrs. Skis or snowshoes will be helpful when the snow is deep and can shorten the approach time significantly.

The Climbing

The main falls at Covert Action

Covert Action is a lot like the other ravines such as Buttermilk or Wildcat Falls. The top tier is commonly climbed and toproped but there are other smaller tiers below that offer some climbing. A worthwhile day (I’ve not done it yet) would include bringing a lightweight climbing kit and climbing/soloing from the bottom up. The terrain is not as steep as in Buttermilk and many of the tiers can be bypassed by traversing through the woods.

The top tier is about 60′ tall and in the WI3+-4 range. There are other climbing opportunities along the top tier, especially to climber’s right of the main falls when conditions are fat.