The next major area left of Porcelain Pillar is East Side Corner. This small amphitheater has a number of outstanding ice lines. Climbers looking to escape the crowds should consider checking this area out.

Approach

Approach Time: 20 minutes

To get to East Side Corner traverse left from the Playground and Porcelain Pillar. Beyond the Porcelain Pillar wall is a rock buttress. Descend down and to climber’s left around the toe of this buttress. 3-4 minutes of traversing will lead to a series of large right-facing corner systems. The first major corner system here is East Side Corner.

Alternately one can walk north the old road grade just above Route 214 until just below the amphitheater. The hillside here is very steep, consider putting crampons on before ascending the slope above.

Climbing Routes at East Side Corner

• East Side Corner, WI4

  Ascend slabs to the large right-facing corner above. Use caution in the corner, as it can get quite hollow during warm weather. It is also possible to traverse left above the slabs and climb the smaller right-facing corner by chimneying and stemming off the pillar in the corner.

• White Wall, WI4

  The steep face left of East Side Corner has two discernible lines. Both of them check in about WI4 and only protect well during a good season. Stubby ice screws and a rack of small gear will make these fun routes feel safer.

• The Golden Rule WI4-

  This outstanding route climbs a thin, tannin-stained runnel in a beautiful corner. The Golden Rule stands out as one of the best routes at Stony Clove and one of the best moderate ice lines in the Catskills. Climb mixed terrain up and left in a shallow right-facing corner just left of the White Wall. One can also start directly below the corner in a left-facing corner and climb steep mixed ground to gain the ice above. Gain the larger right-facing corner and climb through a steep bulge past a small tree. Ascend the amazing yellow runnel above. Stubby ice screws and a rock rack to 1″ are useful.