So you wanna climb in Massachusetts?

Eastern Massachusetts crags have been explored and climbed for at least as long as climbing has been a pass-time. Some crags have legends almost as old - such as the original "Devil's Den" label of Denrock, or the infamous mafia rumors of Quincy Quarry's dirty past.

With today's thriving Boston climbing scene, the crags are usually busy on nice weekends, and summer weekday evenings. Youth climbing groups from YMCAs and camps populate many of the crags on summer days, don't be surprised if you find yourself sharing space, time and ropes with others on just about any nice day.

Most of the climbing is top roping and bouldering, but there is a limited quantity of lead and aid routes at a number of the crags. For trad in E-Mass look to Crow Hill. For slab and cracks on a slab of nice granite check out Red Rock in Gloucester. The best bouldering is found at Hammond Pond and Quincy Quarries. The revered Quarries offer a unique urban cragging experience where sandbagged ratings don't account for layers of graffiti on key foot smears and recent attention has made it as suitable a locale for climbing, scrambling and picnicing - all with a fine view of Boston.

Western Mass. has amazing rock quality, the geology of New York and Connecticut pays little heed to the political boundaries of the Commonwealth. But many of its superb recently-developed crags and boulders have simmering access problems, keeping Massachusetts, despite some great climbs, far from a destination.

Regardless, Mass. climbers are proud of and dedicated to our historical rocks. Enjoy!

GO HERE for great information on bouldering in Massachusetts.

Contact dovaka if you have any questions or concerns about the state.