Climbing Near Gloucester, Massachusetts

Algonquin Boulder is a decent, 12 foot boulder split into two halves with about a half dozen problems. The harder problems are on the back left side of the split while the easier ones are found on the back right side of the split. The problems are sorted as they appear upon approach. This boulder is cool for a solo outing as it is not too tall. If you are local, it might be worthy of a visit. Park at the conservation pullout on Sunset Hill Road. Follow trail uphill for about 45 seconds, and take first narrow trail on the right. Follow it for 3-4 minutes, and as you near the summit, look down and right to see the boulder.

This short wall has all sorts of potential. The main feature being a big diagonal crack. Some of the routes may be a bit of a highball, but the landing is decent. From the main parking, take the trail on your left, continue over slabby granite, then bear right down towards the houses on Washington St. You have to bushwhack a little from the main trail.This small wall is tucked behind one of the residences.

This hill served as an ancient native celestial observatory. Roughly 2-3,000 years ago Algonquians arranged certain boulders at the summit to create a ceremonial landscape. With the use of a reference stone, they were able to calculate sunrise and sunset, as well as the dates for solstices and equinoxes. Today it is somewhat overgrown but the stones remain in place. The sunny summit has lots of potential, almost all of it being slabby domes. That said, there is one developed boulder with a handful of problems on it that may be worth seeking out. There is also a long wall built into the hillside but the main issue being that the best climbing abuts private residents. The summit itself isn't too promising, but there are lots of slab climbs on the outskirts. Take a left onto Riverview Rd. in Gloucester. Shortly afterwards, take another left up the dirt road to the parking area.Alternatively, take Ferry Street to Sunset Hill Road and park at the two car pullout on the right side with the conservation sign just as the road bends left onto Perriwinkle Lane.