Recent Incidents Prompt Clear Creek to Issue Warning About Dangers of Climbing at Beartown Rocks

| August 24, 2018

JEFFERSON CO., Pa. (EYT) – Officials at Clear Creek State Forest are warning the public that climbing at Beartown Rocks is dangerous.

State forest officials have officially closed the area of Beartown Rocks to climbing following several serious incidents involving injuries in the area this summer.

According to Clear Creek State Forest Manager Jake Scheib, there have been six separate incidents over the last two months alone – and four of those incidents were serious – with three requiring evacuation by helicopter of the injured individuals.

Most recently, STAT MedEvac was called to the area for an individual injured at the Beartown Rocks area on Friday, August 17.

Jefferson County 9-1-1 confirmed they received a call for an individual injured in the Beartown Rocks area on August 17, around 3:39 p.m. Sigel Volunteer Fire Department and Jefferson County EMS were dispatched to the scene, and STAT MedEvac was then requested.

Second Assistant Chief Benjamin Gilbert of the Sigel Volunteer Fire Department confirmed that a woman who was visiting the park fell while attempting to jump from one rock to another and was subsequently flown to UPMC Altoona for treatment of her injuries.

Forest Manager Scheib said that the increased number of incidents this summer brought safety concerns regarding climbing in the Beartown Rocks area to the forefront.

“The recreation point and the vista have always been the focus here. We’ve never promoted climbing, but we’ve had such a large number of incidents lately,” Scheib said.

Scheib noted he understands that many people have enjoyed climbing in the area over the years but stressed that officials have to take public safety and the safety of first responders into consideration.

“We can’t have first responders constantly running up there for incidents. That tells me as a manager there’s a problem there. If it gets to the point where it’s unsafe for the public, and it’s becoming a lot of time and expense for first responders, we have to act accordingly,” Scheib said. “We could have first responders out there getting hurt attempting rescues.”

“We certainly never want to see anyone killed out there,” he continued.

While officials may be asking people to refrain from climbing in the area, Scheib did share that there will be some new additions to the trails coming up that they’re hoping will keep people coming to the scenic forest.

“We will be opening a new trail, hopefully in October. We’ve installed a new parking lot, and we’re in the process of installing the trail now. We’re very excited about it. It will take you through some impressive scenery and rocks,” explained Scheib.


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