Help

Pitchoff North

  • Grade context: US
  • Ascents: 1
1
YDS
5.7

Seasonality

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Description

Some of the best moderate ice climbing in the Adirondack Park can be found in this fairly remote area. There are more climbs than there are parking spaces. The northern exposure and higher elevation ensures that NFOP comes in early and stays climbable late in the season. It can be cold and windy, especially early in the season. The climbs are mostly single pitch NEI 4 or long multi pitch NEI 3 to 3+.

Approach

NFOP can be reached from the Jackrabbit ski trail. Take the 'Old Mountain Road" off Rt 73 just north of Mt Van Ho on the right heading towards Lake Placid. This is a dirt road and 4WD is advisable, especially late in the season when the road turns into a mudfest in the afternoon. There is room to park about 6 or 7 cars at the end of the road. Parties arriving with multiple vehicles should try and park at the base of Old Mountain Road and carpool the rest of the way to keep as many spots open as possible. The Jackrabbit Trail begins at the parking area. You MUST wear skis or snowshoes on the Jackrabbit Trail when it is skiable (8 inches of snow or more). The Rangers have been known to stake out the parking lot at the end of the day and ticket climbers who "bareboot" the Jackrabbit Trail. The climbs are visible from the trail, the approach is 30-45 minutes depending where you climb.

Routes

Add route(s) Add topo Reorder Bulk edit Convert grades
Grade Route

One of the longest moderate routes in the Adirondacks. The ice is thin and low angled for the first pitch to reach a tree belay on the left side. Above here the ice steepens a bit to reach the trees. The climb can be extended for another pitch by traversing right, or walking through the trees to reach another headwall on the left. The rap down from the left is tricky since the terrain is wide with no trees. Either make a short rap to a lone tree below the third pitch from which double ropes should get you down or be prepared to go way left to reach the trees before reaching the end of your rope.

Did you know?

Did you know that you can create an account to record, track and share your climbing ascents? Thousands of climbers are already doing this.

Selected Guidebooks more Hide

Author(s): Tim Kemple

Date: 2018

ISBN: 9781938393303

From the granite blocks of Lincoln Woods, Rhode Island, to the schist of Smugglers' Notch, Vermont, you're bound to find your next problem in the New England Bouldering guidebook.

  • Comprehensive, revised 3rd edition features more than 1,200 boulder problems at some of the best bouldering areas throughout New England
  • Detailed maps help you find your next bouldering challenge with ease

Accommodations nearby more Hide

Share this

Fri 2 Jun
Check out what is happening in Pitchoff North.

Get a detailed insight with a timeline showing

  • Ticks by climbers like you
  • Discussions of the community
  • Updates to the index by our users
  • and many more things.

Login to see the timeline!

Deutsch English Español Français Italiano 한국어 Português 中文