Moving to Keene, NH for a few months - hoping to make some friends

Hi NH climbers!  

My gf is a travel nurse and we'll be around Keene from September to mid-December, maybe longer.  I have some friends in the wider northeast area, but nobody super close.  I'd love to connect with a few people for weekend (mostly) climbing.  Is anyone interested in getting out?  

I've redpointed harder routes in the past and am working on getting stronger again, but these days I'm mostly just motivated by new experiences and routes I haven't tried.  I'm basically up for anything, including easy mileage, bouldering, etc.  Please DM me.  I'm stoked to check out the granite state and surrounding opportunities!  

If we stick around long enough, I'd love to also do some ice routes and backcountry skiing.  Any beta on that would be appreciated, too. 

Cheers

I don’t live in Keene ( I’m about an hour south), but know there is an active climbing community in the area ( 2 actually—who don’t see eye-to-eye, unfortunately). There are a several decent small crags in the area, though Keene climbers often either travel south to the northern MA crags—Farley and Rose Ledges, Mormon Hollow, etc or, a bit further, up to Rumney and other NH areas. As for gyms, the closest is also down here in MA—Central Rock Gym in Hadley—about an hour’s drive.

Thanks for the info, Alan.  Much appreciated.  Bummer to hear the local community is at odds.  I intend to keep a low profile and just absorb as much nature and climbing as I can this fall. That being said, I definitely plan on exploring the surrounding states and areas as well.  I'd be happy to come down south if you're ever wanting a catch.  

I’d love to show you around, PM me once you are settled in.

I don’t know if your are aware that there is a guidebook to the Keene area—Climbers Guide to the Monadnock Region by Robert Koning. Rob is one of the local activists and a good guy. Rumor has it that he is working on a second edition, but that it has been delayed because they have been developing a significant new area. Rumors are likely true because I haven’t seen him in a while!!!

Awesome, looking forward to catching up in a few weeks.  I'll be in touch!  I'll definitely have to get a copy of the guidebook, too.  New development is always exciting.  Thanks again, Alan.

You should go to Rumney as much as possible.  Best cragging and best socializing as well.

Thanks, Russ.  Looking forward to checking out Rumney, for sure!

Alan Rubin wrote:

I’d love to show you around, PM me once you are settled in.

I don’t know if your are aware that there is a guidebook to the Keene area—Climbers Guide to the Monadnock Region by Robert Koning. Rob is one of the local activists and a good guy. Rumor has it that he is working on a second edition, but that it has been delayed because they have been developing a significant new area. Rumors are likely true because I haven’t seen him in a while!!!

Hello, Unfortunately the guide book is no longer in print. The book was a limited run. Most of the areas are on private property and we were trying to keep a good relationship with the land owners by not providing too much info. 

Keene does have an active community who are connected with a Google Group and get out often. Happy to add you to our group if you provide your e-mail address. 

Yah, Al, it has been a while... hope to catch up soon!

Robert Koning

Thanks for the info, Robert.  Much appreciated.  I'll send you my email shortly.  Looking forward to connecting with the group!

Keene is a pretty cool spot and has some gems for the outdoor community. As others have said you might have to venture further. I heard through the grapevine that there are some routes on Monadnock. There are also some routes in an old railroad cut(not sure if it is cool to climb there still). You may also have some luck connecting with folks from Brattleboro, someone might have a basement woody they'd let you train on. 

 Best bet might be to climb in some of the crags in the Northern Pioneer Valley. It shouldn't be too hard to get a partner, just make sure to know the rules as far as land management is concerned because many organizations have worked hard to secure access. You aren't in the mecca of Northeast climbing, but you can see it from Keene. I'd only recommend Rumney on a weekday unless you like crowds, dogs, speakers, and some shenanigans but being from CO this might be stuff you are used to already. If you love all that stuff, then you should go experience the mad house that is Rumney. 

Also would be happy to get out with you if schedules allow. Shoot me a DM and we can coordinate sometime. Also happy to give you non climbing related beta while you all are here. Welcome to New England.