Rock Rimmon Rock Climbing

This is one of the best beginner cliffs in NH. But some how the crowds don't flock here on the weekends like they do to Rumney, Pawtuckaway, Echo Crag etc. even though many drive right by Rimmon to get to those other crags. Why? well, rock Rimmon is, for lack of a better term... ghetto.

From the glass glistening on the ground and sometimes in the hold you are reaching for. To the sea of beer cans and other assorted litter. There are heckling teenagers, couples fighting in their yards, and the view of Manchester's west side right on to the mill yard. That's before getting in to how the glass got there in the first place, you guessed it, the locals make a game of throwing their beer bottles off the cliff. It doesn't have to be this way. If the park got more traffic from climbers and non-climbers the sketchy activities would slow enough for us to make a difference. There is always some motivated local working hard to make a difference at Rimmon. If enough of us take part we could win this age old battle.

So, why do people climb at Rock Rimmon anyway? Well, it's kind of like a drunken one night stand. It is actually quite fun, until you wake up in the morning and have to look in the mirror. haha.

In all seriousness, the real reason there is always chalk on the cliffs of Rock Rimmon Park is that the climbing is really fun, the rock is interesting and of perfect quality, and it is the easiest cliff to get to in southern NH. It has a slew of moderates from slabs to faces and even some cracks and a couple of more challenging routes. The location is the problem which makes a cliff that would be worshiped by the climbing community become disrespected. Thankfully the revitalization of the playground and basketball courts has brought in more people. With the influx of people there has been a bit less tomfoolery around the cliffs. Fingers crossed for a bright Rock Rimmon future.  

So, what do we do until we can take back Rimmon? I use the cliff from time to time, but I take a few steps to make sure I can stay safe.

-Always wear a helmet (incase of items dropped or thrown from above).

-If there are people around that sketch you out, leave. Or call the cops if what they are doing might be illegal.

-Watch your anchor. I've heard stories of punks dropping people's ropes without a care that that might be someone's life line. if you can't see your anchor while you belay consider belaying from the top.

-Don't lunge for holds, they might be filled with glass. Climb in control to avoid cutting your fingers.

-Weekday mornings and afternoons seem to be the best time to visit the cliffs to avoid sketchy activity.

I know I'm not selling the cliff well, and I'm not trying to, but let me say this. if you took Rock Rimmon and put it in North Conway or another established climbing area, it would be the most popular beginner cliff around for both top-roping and learning to lead climb. There are solid eyebolt anchors at the top of many of the climbs from the left end slabs all the way to the steeper right hand side. So, stay safe and enjoy this cliff as Charlie Brown once said "all it needs is a little love".