The Torcher is an ellusive and sought after block that lies below the base of Cannon Cliff. Yes, there are many rocks below the base of Cannon, but I assure you this is the one you want to find. Rumor has it John Sherman did the first ascent of this one during his stint in New Hampshire (also establishing other classics like Satan on a Half-Shell, and West End). The boulder is defined by a splitter crack through a roof leading to an arete where the crack runs out. It is steep, it is mean, and a damn good reason to take pads to a classic trad climbing area.
From the parking lot take a right into the woods at the red sign in kiosk, and cross the stream and log bridge to the start of the lake view trail. Follow the lake view trail past a few decent sized boulders to where trail briefly flattens and heads right. As you start to enter a coniferous forest, look straight ahead and slightly downhill for a large boulder sticking out of the hillside. The crack is not identifiable from the trail, but it's the biggest obvious boulder.
The geotag is correct. (44.160526, -71.679370)
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Boston, Ma
From the Cannon Cliff parking lot walk past the climber sign in box down the paved trail. Cross the large bridge and immediately turn right on the Pemi trail. Walk shortly along the side of the stream until you come to a rickety log bridge thing. At this bridge (don’t cross it) turn left up the hill. Follow the faint trail up the hill, it flattens then becomes quite steep. You’ll pass 3-4 boulders. The last boulder is at the top of the steep hill, here the trail goes right and soon you’ll be at The Torcher. Nov 17, 2024