Monroe State Forest

Description 

Monroe State Forest is mostly covered in hemlock trees so it is quite dark, and at times quite damp, too. There is only bouldering here so leave the ropes at home, but bring adequate padding for worthy high balls. The best time to climb for the area is late summer and fall, as that is typically the dry season. There is every kind of bug under the sun here so bring bug spray and your climbing partner will think of you as Mr. Clutch. Expect and look for any type of climbing from hueco-covered overhangs to beautiful finger cracks. The boulders are some what spread out, but there are big enough chunks to spend a day at. Most of the boulders are located just off any of the main trails in the forest so taking a simple stroll can often turn into a great session. The rock is mostly mid-grade schist, so don't write home about holds breaking or foot edges crumbling. The grades range from V1 to V5 with projects that are obviously harder. This is not the Bishop of Massachussetts but for the jones'n local or someone who is just in the area it is definitely worth checking out. The most concentrated areas are off obvious points on the Dunbar Brook Trail, the main road, and Raycroft Road. The mac dizzle (aka biggest rock we's got) is at the very top of the hill on Raycroft Road located about a couple hundred yards down from the road. If you're a 1 timer at Monroe, go to that rock, and climb it.

P.S. big thanks to Ralph and Nate for the good times.

Getting There 

Monroe State Forest is located in the northern Berkshires of western Massachusetts.
From East or West Rte. 2: Take MA Rte. 2 in Florida to Tilda Hill Road. Turn onto Tilda Hill Rd. (becomes Main Road in Monroe) and follow for 4 miles, to intersection with Raycroft Road. Look for trailhead kiosk and parking. Dunbar Brook Trail upper trailhead is nearby.
Note: Raycroft Road is in poor condition.

The Classics

Featured Route For Monroe State Forest

The Coffin V5  MA : Monroe State Forest : Coffin Rock

Sit start on huecos and climb up to tough mantle. Definitely where a shirt for this one....[more]   Browse More Classics in MA