Ragged Mountain's Main Cliff is perhaps CT's most impressive crag. It boasts high quality routes at many grade levels. It includes classic climbs established by Fritz Wiessner, Sam Streibert, John Reppy, Layton Kor, and many other talented climbers. The west facing cliff is more popular in the summer and can be quite cold during the winter. Routes are up to 100 feet long, and anchors are often set far from the edge. Bring your long climbing rope and anchor rope.
Many of the state's finest routes are at Ragged Mountain, including Wiessner Slab, Wiessner Crack, Unconquerable Crack, Broadway, the YMC Route, Carey Corner, and Subline. Climbers of all abilities will find high quality routes at Ragged. We have had considerable problems with vandalism of the fixed protection: just because your guidebook indicates fixed gear on a climb you won't necessarily find it there. The RMF has constructed access trails on both sides of the main cliff. Please use these trails to descend from climbs. Please help us control erosion at the base of the climbs.
Bombay (5.8+)
Local Access Issues
Other crags in the area-- Small Cliff, May Crack Block, Citadel, Owl's Lair and Fox Den-- are CLOSED. Please respect the wishes of the property owners and avoid these crags. New Britain Water Company land to the north (Grond, Spider Wall, Bradley Mountain) is also closed to climbing.
The Main cliff is owned by the RMF and managed in conjunction with the Berlin Land Trust. Hikers and climbers are welcome anywhere on RMF property. There are a number of rules governing the property:
No camping
No fishing or swimming in Hart Pond
No new fixed gear in the Main Cliff
Don't throw objects from the top of the cliff
Commercial use is restricted to parties of 6 or less
No mountain bikes or horses
Getting There
Parking for the Main Cliff is a sensitive issue. Please carpool whenever possible. Vehicles may be left during daylight hours at Timberlin Park or nearby commuter lots. If you park in a residential area, please be respectful of the local residents. Park legally, and observe all no parking signs. Do not block mailboxes or driveways, stay off lawns and do not litter. If you see any any trash, pick it up. You may refer to various guidebooks such as Rock Climbing Connecticut for additional information on parking. The approach to Ragged Mountain is via the Metacomet trail. Approach by walking down Carey street to the Metacomet trail (blue blazes). Go left and follow a driveway up, passing the place where the trail leaves the driveway on the right, to the top of the hill and a sharp left turn. Here a trail, blazed with faint white circles, leads to the Main Cliff. The cliff immediately above this turnoff is the Small Cliff and it is currently closed to climbing.
