Mt Forist (elev 2068ft), located in Berlin NH, is a dominating figure to say the least….Its sheer cliffs can be seen from almost every vantage point in town. Apparently, Mt Forist may be becoming a new attraction for rock climbers, especially beginners….according to Berlin Daily Sun reporter, and avid rock climber, Erik Eisele.

In one of his latest blog posts on The Last Print Journalist, Erik mentions that Brad White, owner of the International Mountain Climbing School had come to Mt. Forist on his recommendation, and brought along a client, a beginner climber. The day was apparently a great success, with Brad and his client impressed with the mountain, and the city. It is important to note that the client had NEVER been to Berlin NH prior to this trip.

After speaking with Erik a few times since he originally climbed the mountain a few months ago, I have become very interested in what Mt. Forist might bring to Berlin NH in term s of tourists and economic development, particularly in the light of the 21/21 initiative we have adopted earlier this summer.

Having grown up in Berlin and seeing the mountain dominate the local scenery from almost every vantage point, I had often wondered what it would be like to climb the face of the cliff. When I was a child, I had heard of stories of people falling from the top… (some real and some fictitious) so in my mind the mountain has always been linked with fear, danger, and mystery….as far as climbing it would be concerned. Knowing absolutely nothing about rock climbing, I had always figured it would most definitely take an expert climber to tackle that cliff….until I spoke with Erik.

Apparently, the “sheer” cliff isn’t as sheer as it may seem, so the cliff is actually appropriate for beginner climbers. (as seen in the photo to the left, taken from Mt. Jasper just to the north of Mt Forist.) I can only imagine that the breathtaking views that a climber has with the city of Berlin NH as a backdrop may make the climb seem a little harder than it really is. In my last conversation with Erik he stated that Brad White will be coming back to the mountain soon to look into developing new routes to the top. I look forward to hearing how he makes out.

According to Erik, Brad White “thinks Mount Forist will make a perfect beginner cliff, something that’s lacking around New England. He wants to develop it, guide on it, expose new people to the area. He wants to do what 21/21 wants to do, and he’s a guy with the connections to do it.” I have sent Brad (and Erik) an email to get some more information regarding the mountain and its benefits to Berlin. I have also requested to have a lesson in climbing. I look forward to hearing more about the possibilities, and the prospects of bringing tourists to the area and hopefully beginning to change its image in the process.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts.