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Quick Step

5.8, Trad, TR, 35 ft (11 m),  Avg: 2.1 from 10 votes
FA: unknown
Massachusetts > Eastern, MA > Middlesex Fells > Black & White R… > Crag 6 aka Black Rock

Description

The crux is the first 15 feet. Decent holds and tricky feet will get you up to a break at around 17 or so feet up. From there, it is glorious, 5.4 bucketfest going up an fairly exposed position for the Fells. Going right to the arete at 15 feet will take you off route.

Location

From the top from B-face, go about 25 feet to the north. It's the first face that is hidden by a pine tree below after some broken rocks that separates B-face from C-face. Set up an anchor, and rap in.

Protection

You need gear on top to set up a top rope. There is a crack that is set back more than 11 or 12 feet away from the edge on top of the cliff. You need long slings/runners/cords. I had a 30 foot cord, it did not reach, and I needed another 4 foot sling to set up the toprope.

This can be lead though pro is thin for the first 1/2.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The tree at the base of Quick Step fell over this winter (2017-2018).
[Hide Photo] The tree at the base of Quick Step fell over this winter (2017-2018).
A climber after the crux on Quickstep when it meets with Hair Line.
[Hide Photo] A climber after the crux on Quickstep when it meets with Hair Line.
The rope is the route.
[Hide Photo] The rope is the route.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Etha Williams
Twentynine Palms, CA
[Hide Comment] The pine tree has fallen down as of 5/24/18. In its current state, C Face did not appear climbable. May 25, 2018
[Hide Comment] Attempted to lead this route in the middle of the face after placing small gear in the crack to the right not far above the ledge. Although this did not feel hard for the grade, there wasn't any protection, and it was hot and humid, so I downclimbed and led up the far right side of the face (just left of the arete) where there are good gear placements (Hair Line?). Otherwise a fall would have resulted in a swing to the right and a ledgefall. Suggest TR or lead it at an R rating. Jul 11, 2018