As an Orientation Leader, one frequently fields questions from incoming first years asking about what is fun to do in or around campus. For those who are interested in rock climbing, there are some absolutely legendary climbs about three miles down the road off Tenney Mountain Highway.
The town of Rumney is known internationally for its climbing. The rock face offers moderate to high routes ranging from some of the easier climbs, which are 5.2’s and 5.3’s to some of the most challenging routes in New England, the 5.14’s.
The “5” in the climb rating system stands for free climbing, done with ropes and harnesses etc., the second most difficult mode of mountain travel, while the second number stands for the severity of the difficulty of the particular route (angle of descent and difficulty of handholds and moves).
For those that have already discovered the romance of rock climbing, Rumney is like heaven. It’s close to the road, but still far enough away to forget the existence of society when necessary. On the other end of the social spectrum, its one of the best places to meet others with a zest for rock climbing.
Many people would not have the opportunity to experience something of this magnitude were it not for Rumney. Many agree the next nearest place for great climbing is in Franconia Notch at Echo Crag. Many also agree that is much too far for a college student to travel.
When a student has time off from classes, they should grab a group of their closest friends (preferably some that know something about climbing) and take a trip down the road to the Rumney crags. If a student doesn’t have any gear, or doesn’t know how to climb, they can also go to the Boulder Pen, aka “The Pound.” It can be found on Smith Bridge Road, right off of Tenney Mountain Highway.
“The Pound” consists of several large boulders that can be climbed without gear, but should still have someone spotting them to make sure that they don’t get hurt.
Remember that there are things to do on or around campus other than the daily grind. Happy climbing!