Firewall: Southington, CT

Location

Nestled on the fringe between Plainville and New Britain, but technically located in Southington, Connecticut is the Firewall.  Situated just north of Ragged Mountain, this outcrop of rock is one of the many basalt traprock cliffs of the Metacomet ridge than spans from New Haven Connecticut to Belchertown Massachusetts. 

History

The Firewall saw its first routes go up in the mid-1970s, with a surge of new development in 1980.  Many of the routes were established by Ken Nichols, Bob Clark, and Paul Niland.  After the surge, these developers sought new terrain and the Firewall lost much of its glowing luster.

In 2008 a local climbing group called the Connecticut Climber’s Coalition (C3) sought to bring life to this long-forgotten crag.  The C3 organized and petitioned to the Town of Southington to install fixed anchors at the top of climbs and bolts to protect certain routes. After several Town hearings, the C3 was granted access to equip the cliff with bolts.  This decree yielded the development of several new, hard, sport routes, and introduced Connecticut to its first bolted crag.

Climbing at Firewall

The history of the Firewall is rooted in top rope ascents with a few ascents done free and on the lead.  With the installation of bolts, many of the climbs now have the full sport treatment. That said, some of the more moderate lines are bolted in a manner that leaders at the grade may find disconcertingly sparse.

Access Issues

There are currently no access issues for the Firewall.  Parking and trail access is available at the Crescent Lake parking lot in Southington, CT.  All users should be advised that the park gate closes at sunset. If you are not out before sundown your car might be locked in.

Notes

Use your best judgment and inspect all fixed protection before use.