Echo Arete

Up on the hill overlooking Kettle Pond lies this beautiful sculpted prow. Featuring the finest grade of Groton’s perfect white stone, climbing on this feature feels more like pulling on 180 grit sandpaper than granite. But for all its pretty looks, this problem requires more than a fair share of burl and muscling to put together.

Start sitting with left hand on a jug on the arete and right hand in an undercling. Slap up the arete and work some blind feet to shoot out right to the perfect rounded edge. Hurl for the basketball sloper behind the tree then squeeze and lockoff for all you’re worth to reach the hold at the top of the prow. If you think it’s over from here you’ll be in for a rude surprise - bump and claw your right hand up however possible to eventually get the big jug rail. Topout awkwardly while trying not to dab on the tree.

The stand start goes at V8. Start with right hand on the sloper and left on the arete.

Walk on the Kettle Pond Loop Trail for about 800ft. Just when you reach the edge of the pond you will see a lean-to shelter on the right marked #7. Cut into the woods behind the shelter and the Echo area is about 400ft straight up the hill, passing an outhouse on the left. Look for a sunny cluster of smaller boulders surrounding the large Echo Boulder in the middle.

4 pads is ideal.