Stevens Point Slab Rock Climbing

For me, I first became aware of Hogan road as a biking experience. A few trips in 2014-16 provided beautiful views of the northern Presidentials and of the rapids, dams, and reflecting pool of the Androscoggin river. The pull out and road widening at 2.0 miles “ in” happened to provide a tantalizing view of a slab on Steven’s Point.

I think it was the summer of 2017 I finally parked my bike behind a tree and hiked up to the slab.  Assessment: Mmmmm…not all that good but maybe a place to visit with gear.  Upon reflection it seems I intercepted the slab at its far left area and that part of the slab is less attractive than the middle and right side. BUT….

Then came the thunderstorm of Oct. 2017.  This storm dropped more rain north of the Presidentials, in a shorter period of time, than even Hurricane Irene 5 years earlier. Culverts and bridges all along Hogan Road were totally washed out. ( The roads into North Bald Cap were also devastated.) The culvert at 0.9 miles was completely washed out and the culvert itself pushed 30 ft down; the side road that comes in at 2.3 miles on the right became a river itself and flowed skier’s right down Hogan Road. ( Which is why, to this day, this section remains the worst piece of Hogan Road.) 

Paul Cormier is looking in his notes as to when he first explored this crag. But I would say it is either before Oct 2017 or after 2019-20 when the road was finally repaired enough to allow access by car to Steven’s Point.

Clearly, however, the bolts on the slab are indicative of even earlier ascents than Paul’s foray in the late 20-teens. The sling on the big pine tree at the top of “ climb 3 “ was old enough to have bee stretched by the growth of the tree and looked, to me, to be at least 8-10 years old. Paul may have more info on who this/these earlier climber(s) may have been.