Pawtuckaway State Park, N.H.
Pawtuckaway State Park in Raymond, New Hampshire offers among other things “... a geologically unique field where large boulders called glacial erratics were deposited when glacial ice melted near the end of the Ice Age.” It also has some of the best beginner and moderate top-rope climbing (and expert bouldering) around! On this trip we will visit this popular top-rope climbing site that has numerous climbing cliffs to choose from. Participants will learn basic climbing skills such as: climbing technique, knots, proper and safe belaying, rappelling, top-rope climbing site etiquette, and leave no trace. You will engage with a busy climbing community in the area and be exposed to other climbing styles and practices. Participants will enjoy great views, challenging terrain and learning essential climbing skills in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Get more information about Pawtuckaway on the Mountain Project website.
Skill Level and Physical Exertion
Skill Level: Beginner
These trips are planned and facilitated with first-time and experienced climbers in mind. Climbing will be self-paced. The amount and difficulty of the climbs you choose to try is up to you. You will be climbing with a harness the entire time. Therefore, you may take breaks throughout your climb.
Physical Exertion: Light-Vigorous*
- Duration: 3-6 hours of climbing
- Difficulty: climbs rated as 5.5 - 5.11 (Yosemite Decimal System, REI)
- Height of Each Climb: 20-60 feet | 6-20 meters.
*Exertion levels are estimates based off of individuals who regularly fulfill the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines (pdf) and have no major limiting conditions. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding the physical exertion level of any of our trips.
Tentative Itinerary
Due to the nature of outdoor trips, all itineraries are subject to change.
- 7 a.m. Meet in Outdoor Adventure Center and Bike Shop
- 5 Lawrence Drive, Lowell, MA 01854
- 7:30-8:30 a.m. Drive to Trip Location
- 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Meet Mooney Mountain Guides for Instruction and Climbing
- Midday Lunch
- Bring your own lunch and snacks
- 4-5 p.m. Drive Back to UMass Lowell
- 5-5:30 p.m. Debrief
- Arrive back at the at the Outdoor Adventure Center and Bike Shop, clean up, review course content/answer any remaining questions and more.
- 5:30 p.m. Estimated Dismissal
- This will be determined based off of participants' needs and the intended goals of this trip - contact the program to learn more and adjust the time.
Curriculum Topics
- Leave No Trace
- Crag Etiquette
- Figure-8 Follow Through
- Belaying
- Climbing Technique
Packing List
- Online medical questionnaire and waiver
- Personal Medications inhaler, epinephrine and more. Major medications should be noted on your Health Statement
- Personal Medical Insurance Card
- Sunscreen
- Chap Stick or Lip balm Sun protection
- Bandanna Versatile: sweat rag, hanky, napkin and more.
- Lunch and Snacks
- *2 Water Bottles You need at least two liters of water with you
- Sunglasses
- Sun Hat Ball Cap or Full Brim Hat
- Approach Shoes, Hiking Boots, or Athletic Shoes hiking boots are strongly recommended due to potentially rocky and slippery conditions
- Synthetic Clothing
- *Rain Jacket
- Base layer Cold Weather; Underwear layer; wicks sweat off your skin; synthetic, long base layers recommended; no cotton
- *Middle layer Insulating layer; retains body heat to protect you from the cold; fleece and or flannel recommended; sweatshirts are okay
- Gloves or Mittens
- *Wool or Fleece Hat Synthetic
- Camera Protective case is highly recommended
- Small Backpack
- **First Aid First aid kit, emergency communication device
- **Activity Specific Gear Climbing Harness, Helmet, Belay Device, Climbing Shoes
*All items with an asterisk are available to check-out and included in the cost of your registration.
**All items under "First Aid" and "Activity Specific Gear" are supplied automatically by the Outdoor Adventure Program. All participant equipment is subject to trip leader approval. Please contact us to review any personal gear you would like to bring in substitution of the gear we may provide.
Register for upcoming trips on our Trips and Events Calendar webpage
Contact
- Email: OutdoorAdventure@uml.edu
- Phone: 978-934-1549