Kinsman Notch

Description 

Kinsman Notch is perched high above rt. 112 just outside of North Woodstock. On the weekends the area is usually very crowded for a few good reasons

-There are a great variety of climbs (from WI2-WI4+ and even some mixed climbing) in close proximity to one another.
-The ice generally comes in fat with a few exceptions.
-Most of the climbs are easy to top rope from trees above (bring some long runners.)
-The heavily wooded area generally keeps the sun off of the ice and the wind out of the crag.
-North Woodstock has some interesting dining (check out the $1 egg sandwiches at the gas station) and is a classic old New Hampshire country town.

The crag has two distinct sections around the main flows. On the right the Pot o' Gold and Leprechaun's Lement area have numerous climbs and variations, and about 400 yards further left lies The Beast area. The trail from the nondescript parking lot will take you up (very steeply) to the right hand side of the crag, at the base of Pot o' Gold. Follow the cliff line to the left to reach the base of the other climbs.

Getting There 

Go west from exit 32 off of I-93 into North Woodstock, at a blinking light take a slight left to stay on rt.112, continue on this road for about 5 miles then stop at a less than obvious pull off on the left side of the road (generally plowed out and full of cars on the weekend.) Hike up the hill towards the ice you can see from the car, aiming for the right (hopefully the trail is broken down for you. The trail is steep so bring your cardio lungs or get your but kicked.