Indian Ladder loose rock removal planned

PHOTOGRAPHER: File Photo

Cliffs at John Boyd Thacher Park in New Scotland are pictured

NEW SCOTLAND — The state park system will begin rock- and debris-removal work along the Indian Ladder Trail that should result in it being reopened this summer for the first time since a serious accident last July.

The popular trail at John Boyd Thacher Park has been closed since July 2, when a 60-year-old woman walking on the track was struck by a falling rock and seriously injured.

The project, which will start next week, will remove any loose surface material along the limestone cliffs that could present a rockfall hazard, according to the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which is overseeing the work. “Crews consisting of experienced rope-handlers and scalers will be suspended along the slope edge to chip away loose rocks and debris.”

State Parks spokesman Randy Simons said state parks employees who are experienced with gorges where rock removal is sometimes required will be handling the job.

The work is weather-dependent, but crews hope to start early next week.

“Depending on weather, this process and subsequent cleanup is expected to take approximately four to six weeks,” the state agency said. “The Indian Ladder trail will reopen once work is complete.”

The half-mile trail that runs along the face of the Helderberg escarpment has been one of the most popular in the park, offering views of the Capital Region, rock formations and waterfalls.

Earlier this spring state parks officials said they would be evaluating the trail’s condition to determine whether it can be safety re-opened.

The 3,000-acre park draws about 250,000 visitors per year, according to state officials.

Reach Gazette reporter Stephen Williams at 518-395-3086, [email protected] or @gazettesteve on Twitter.