Stonehouse Pond - Rock Climbing

More rock climbing at Stonehouse Pond in Barrington, NH. Met up at the trailhead for Kellie's NH Rock Climbing Meetup. It never gets old! Click on photos for larger views.

The 4 routes we climbed today 

Cardigan Mountain - Solo Hiking

Cardigan Mountain (3,155ft)

Elevation Gain: 1,250ft

Trails: South Ridge, Skyland and West Ridge Trails

Distance: 3.6 miles roundtrip

Duration: 3 hrs, 15 minutes (includes stops for breaks and summit lunch)

Difficulty: Easy

Was planning to solo hike to the summits of Mounts Avalon and Field but I got a late start this morning so I decided to solo hike Cardigan Mountain. Definitely no solitude today with such gorgeous weather. Both the trails and the summit were busy with folks including families with babies and dogs. I started at the West Ridge Trailhead and at the junction, took the South Ridge trail to Rimrock. The South Ridge trail is a bit longer, narrower and steeper. And I came across 3 other hikers headed to Mt. Gilman. From Rimrock, I took the Skyland trail to get onto the West Ridge Trail, and ascend the summit. I spent 45 minutes at the summit relaxing, having my lunch and taking more photos.

Cardigan Mountain is part of the New Hampshire 52 with a view list and indeed, the summit rewards you with some great 360 degree views. 

Cardigan Mountain Trail Map 

At the trailhead 

 Along the South Ridge Trail (2)

 At Rimrock (3) 

 At the West Ridge and Skyland Trails junction

 Along the West Ridge Trail (2)

 At the summit (11)

Stonehouse Pond - Rock Climbing

Met up with Kellie a little after noon today to do some rock climbing at Stonehouse Pond in Barrington, NH. We were in contact the night before and all morning to make certain that the cliff would be dry. Since it faced the sun, Kellie was sure it would be dry so off we went. Kellie set up top rope and we rappelled down to the ledge below and made a couple of climbs back up. The afternoon was relaxing and there were folks at the pond swimming, fishing and hiking. But there were no other rock climbers, so we had the cliff to ourselves! One of the things I just love about rock climbing at Stonehouse Pond is the thrill of climbing exposed rock surface! Since it was just Kellie and I, I left my big camera at home. I only got three photos and a short vid with my iPhone. 

The cliff

Kellie setting up top rope

Rusty Piton