With 42,000 square feet, hundreds of climbing routes and a max wall height of 45’, The Cliffs at Gowanus boasts both the tallest walls and largest climbing space in NYC. When The Cliffs at Gowanus kicks off its grand opening on May 14th, over 4,000 visitors will celebrate the newly crowned largest rock-climbing gym in New York City with a weekend of free climbing, clinics, competitions, local food trucks, rooftop live music, and even circus performers. This is not just another climbing gym opening: this is the biggest and baddest, in an area with high demand. 

The Cliffs mission is to provide the best possible climbing experience to anyone who wants to stop in and try it out. “I’ve never seen anything like what we’ve built here” said Mike Wolfert, CEO & Founder of The Cliffs. “We hope this all-encompassing facility will inspire new climbers and welcome existing ones to join a diverse, inclusive, and passionate community” said Wolfert. “Let’s have some fun together!” 

The custom-built facility is The Cliffs Climbing + Fitness’ sixth location, offering three full floors of climbing with hundreds of climbing routes ranging from beginner to advanced. It will have the most comprehensive assortment of climbing training equipment in the city, including a dedicated training room and dual 10-meter speed walls (such as those featured in the Olympics). 

Along with top-of-the-line climbing amenities, the facility offers a rooftop lounge with co-working spaces (and views of Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn), a fully equipped fitness center, climbing gear shop, sunlit yoga studio, and saunas. There will also be a restaurant opening downstairs in the coming months. 

The Cliffs at Gowanus will be ideal for beginners and experts alike, and is uniquely positioned to unite a diverse, inclusive, and passionate community in South Brooklyn. The gym will offer bilingual instruction, classes for adaptive climbers, outdoor guided instruction; group events, birthday parties, and corporate teambuilding; both competitive and recreational youth programs; and programs providing access to underserved youth. 

Rock climbing is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. Boosted by its inclusion in the 2021 Summer Olympics, active individuals are embracing its many facets: mental and physical fitness, community and relationship building, and meditative mental wellness. 

Harrison Rhodes, General Manager at The Cliffs at Gowanus who has been climbing for almost 10 years adds “There’s a version of climbing for everyone – our job is to help figure out what it can be for you. My goal is to share this space with the community and create a welcoming environment for all.”  

The Cliffs at Gowanus at 242 Butler Street will be easily accessible via the D, N, B Q, 2, 3, 4, 5 subway lines to Atlantic/Barclays Station or the F, G lines to Bergen St. Station. Alternatively, guests can bike over and park their bike in the facility’s bike room.  A discounted “Learn To Climb” package is available for those new to the sport, and an all access membership is available for $125/mo.  

There are currently five additional locations included in the membership: The Cliffs at LIC in Queens, NY, The Cliffs at Harlem in Manhattan, NY, The Cliffs at Valhalla in Westchester, NY, The Cliffs at DUMBO in Brooklyn, NY (an outdoor bouldering facility under the Manhattan Bridge), and The Cliffs at Callowhill in Philadelphia, PA.   

About The Cliffs Climbing + Fitness 

With 6 facilities and the largest market share in New York City and Philadelphia, The Cliffs Climbing + Fitness is the premier network of climbing gyms in the Northeast.  

Founded in 2005 by climber and entrepreneur Mike Wolfert, The Cliffs embodies excellence in every element of the climbing and fitness experience. Every facility is committed to delivering industry best in ropes climbing, bouldering, classes, retail, fitness facilities, AMGA/outdoor guides, and most importantly, community outreach.  

Multiple expansions throughout New York City have shown that when The Cliffs moves into a neighborhood, new residents move in, too — The Cliffs is part of what made rock climbing cool in the coolest city in the world.  For more information about The Cliffs at Gowanus, please visit gowanus.thecliffsclimbing.com

About Mike Wolfert, CEO & Founder (available for press interviews) 

An accomplished athlete, guide, and entrepreneur, Mike Wolfert delivers the rare combination of professional climbing experience with a business development background. He founded The Cliffs Climbing + Fitness in 2005 to provide a community space for climbing and connection, and has grown it from one gym (built while living out of his car) into 6 facilities with the largest market share in both New York City and Philadelphia. 

Mike was named “Top Forty Under Forty” in Westchester County and was honored as a hero by the Red Cross for his work in rescuing passengers from a 2015 MetroNorth train wreck. Mike has worked as a professional mountain biker, rock climber, big mountain skier, and guide. Prior to starting The Cliffs, Mike founded his own consulting practice focused on digital marketing and business development.

Media Contact
Company Name: The Cliffs at Gowanus
Contact Person: Sharon Cooper
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: gowanus.thecliffsclimbing.com