RMF Gains Climber Access to Meriden Crags
Big Win for Climbing Access in Connecticut
Meriden climbing permits now available for RMF members
If you’re any sort of climber worth your sticky rubber operating in Connecticut, then you already know the state’s history runs deep. For heaven’s sake, the movement and techniques that are largely considered to have been the genesis of modern climbing were more or less developed on the crags that dot the Metacomet Ridge.
Some of the biggest names in climbing have come to CT to test their mettle on the state’s peculiar and perplexing faces, and one of the most impressive climbing areas is without a doubt Eastpeak located in the city of Meriden: home to everything from four star mega classics for those who are inclined to plug gear, to powerful free standing blocs just waiting to spit off even the most hardened of pebble wrestlers!
It’s all there, and even better still after the tireless efforts of the Ragged Mountain Foundation and its supporters, it’s open to climbers and officially sanctioned by the town’s municipal offices! Well, with one caveat, that is….
The city of Meriden recognizes climbing as a legitimate recreational activity on town land only for those individuals who maintain active membership with the Ragged Mountain Foundation.
Now active members of The RMF can obtain permits sanctioned by Meriden’s Department of Parks and Recreation that allow for the responsible use of the town’s many cliff sides, trails, and boulders in pursuit of rock climbing. (Make no mistake, this is a huge deal for CT climbing!)
Permits can be obtained (by active dues paying RMF members only) from the Meriden Parks and Recreation building located at 460 Liberty Street between the hours of 7:30 am and 3:30 pm for a $5 fee. Please be aware that it may take up to 30 days between the time of purchasing a membership with the Ragged Mountain Foundation and appearing on the city’s list of individual climbers authorized to receive permits. Please be aware that permits are issued on an individual basis, and are not interchangeable between multiple members in a single party. Each permit issued is valid for one year from the time of registration and will require renewal annually at the parks and recreation offices to remain as such.
Again everyone, this is MEGA!
Access to Connecticut’s High and Wild Places has always been a bit dodgy to say the least, and one could even say that for many of the state’s excellent crags, climbing has been at the very best “tolerated”. Let’s look at this incredible win for the climbing community as an opportunity to showcase what a classy group of guys and gals we really are. These permits provide us access to climbing terrain, and not ownership of it. As is always the case, be sure to remember the following when making use of any of our crags at home and abroad.
Respect local ethics at all times.
Operate only within the scope of your own ability.
Be mindful and respectful of other parties in the area.
Practice Leave No Trace ethics.
Connecticut is pretty cool, but Climbing is Freaking Awesome! If you want to continue to enjoy perks like authorized access to some of Connecticut’s best vertical terrain, consider continuing your support of The Ragged Mountain Foundation by signing up for auto renewal of your membership dues for the low price of only $15 per year. Your contribution grants you the ability to vote in our annual board elections and makes you eligible for RMF member discounts with our local partners. Not a climber but still believe in our cause? No problem! We accept one time donations where 100% of proceeds go directly to securing access to Connecticut’s climbing.