Discover the highest-rated indoor and outdoor spots to rock climb in New Hampshire.
Rock climbing is a beneficial hobby in more than one way. Engaging in a physical activity is good for your body and it improves your mental health. UnitedHealthcare says that exercise increases your brain’s blood circulation, which in turn boosts your mood, decreases stress, and helps you sleep better at night. Sure, you can get those endorphins from any form of exercise, but rock climbing is unique because it gives you a sense of community, too.
For many, finding like-minded people to hang out with feels like an uphill battle in adulthood. Rock climbing, or bouldering, bridges that gap because you already have something in common you can talk about while you’re at the gym or looking up at a veryyyy tall mountain. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered.
These six climbing locations—three outdoors and three indoors—are the best places to go in New Hampshire. But before we jump in, here’s a handy guide for climbing in the Granite State to give you perspective on things you need to know before you go. For those of you who already enjoy hiking and want to add a fun bonus activity to your next trip, these are some of the best climbing trails in the state.
Okay, onwards and upwards! (Literally.)
Outdoors
Rumney
Rumney is probably the most highly recommended rock-climbing spot in New Hampshire. It’s highly praised for its 38 cliffs, which offer 1,000 routes to traverse. Plus, the climbing areas in this town range from 5.3 to 5.15a, meaning it’s an accessible destination regardless of the grade you’re currently climbing at. While you’re there, you can scamper up and over corners, grooves, dikes, aretes, and cracks as you take in the breathtaking views. The Mountain Project notes that the local scene is encouraging, so you’ll definitely feel a sense of community as you’re climbing.
Note: Rumney is a town you can visit year-round to rock climb. To learn more about the area and to find additional activities to enjoy during your trip, please click here.
Cathedral Ledge
I’m a simple girl; I see a picture of Cathedral Ledge, and I say, “No, thank you, I don’t want to climb that.” If you’re more fearless than I am, this is a great place for experienced trad climbers who are looking for 5.7 routes and better. One Reddit user recommended going with someone who can lead for you to make the most of your experience.
This spot is near North Conway—a premier climbing destination with gorgeous views and an array of shops and restaurants—making it the perfect area to plan a weekend getaway. Some of the most popular rock climbing routes include “Repentance” and “Thin Air,” which you can learn more about at the following link.
Note: Since Cathedral Ledge is a state park, you’ll need to buy a day pass to visit. It costs $4 per adult, and you can grab your passes ahead of time here.
Pawtuckaway State Park
When I asked a friend of mine for an outdoor rock-climbing recommendation, he immediately said Pawtuckaway State Park. Like Cathedral Ledge, a day pass is required to climb here, though Pawtuckaway charges $5 per person instead of $4. Season passes are also available if you plan to take multiple trips.
According to the Mountain Project, this area is best for bouldering, though crack climbs are also available in abundance. A climber on Reddit said Pawtuckaway is known for having little to no cell phone service, so be sure to download a map in advance and exercise caution to keep yourself as safe as possible while you’re climbing.
Indoors
Salt Pump, Portsmouth
If you love rock climbing but you don’t enjoy the great outdoors, then Salt Pump is the right place for you. It’s open Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Salt Pump offers over 14,000 square feet of bouldering walls, some of which stretch up to 16’. There’s a training area with a Kilter board, campus board, and Spray Wall if you’re still honing your skills.
A waiver is required to visit Salt Pump, even if you’re just going to walk around and scope everything out. Submit yours in advance here. Climbing gear rentals and classes are offered for those looking for a safe, welcoming environment to learn rock climbing and bouldering for the first time. Day passes cost $23 per adult and $18.50 per child.
NH Climbing and Fitness, Concord
NH Climbing and Fitness is billed as the largest rock climbing gym in the Granite State. Like Salt Pump, you’re going to need to sign a waiver before you or your kids can start climbing here, which you can fill out by clicking this link. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Reservations aren’t required—you can show up whenever you’re looking for your next indoor adventure.
Classes, events, and youth programs are offered by NH Climbing and Fitness. A standard day pass costs $26 per adult and $14 per child. Anyone who’s climbing here must follow gym policies. I’d recommend reading them here before you go so you know what you can and can’t do while you’re there. Beyond that, you’re free to climb and boulder to your heart’s content.
North County Climbing Center, Lisbon
Lisbon’s North County Climbing Center offers indoor and outdoor climbing opportunities. If you’re checking out the indoor facilities, you must, you guessed it, sign a waiver to do so. Someone who works at the gym will get you squared away with that upon your arrival. Day passes cost $21 per adult, $15 per child. Seniors, students, and military personnel can purchase day passes for $18 each. Passes for children under the age of four will cost around $5.
North County Climbing Center is open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. There is 6,000 square feet of climbing offered here for people of all ages and skill sets, so you’ll have a unique experience every time you go.
