Mt Forist in Berlin NH- a great rockclimbing mountain for beginners

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.

The sheer cliffs of Mt Forist don't appear as steep form the vantage point of Mt. Jasper

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.

Mt Washington as seen from entrance to lead mine and Amscot Pond in Gorham NH

The trailhead is reached on route 16, known locally as the Berlin-Gorham Road, just south of Berlin NH at the large, steel Boston and Maine Railroad Trestle…..(now converted to snowmobile bridge). Parking for approximately 6-8 cars here. After parking, cross the footbridge constructed on the bottom of railroad trestle, which crosses the Androscoggin River. Bear left after exiting trestle, follow signs on a dirt road which re-joins the old rail bed in approx half a mile. Bear left another .25 miles until you reach another railroad bridge. Use caution to look for trail which bears right just after bridge. (Not marked) Trail connects with dirt road in approx 2oo feet…bear right. Follow dirt road until you reach AMC Mahoosuc trail on right…marked with signs and stone staircase. Follow this trail for approx .75 miles, bearing right when Mahoosuc trail forks left approx .5 miles from stone stairs. Mascot pond will be on right with abandoned leadmine ore pile on left.

Use caution when climbing discarded ore pile as rocks are loose and grade is steep. Main entrance to mine bears slightly left as you climb, but several more entrances (all gated) are located several hundred feet higher on hill to right of main entrance.

The caves are home to several endangered species of bats (more information to follow) and have been gated closed for past 20+ years.

Have any more infor regarding this mine? Maybe some old pictures? Comment on this article or add to the photo gallery!

This view of Berlin NH was taken from atop Mt. Forist, also known to locals as “Elephant Mountain”. The trailhead is reached by driving through town on NH Rt. 110 northwest towards Groveton NH only a mile from town. Park across from the storage units just south of White Mountain Distributors. Gravel road continues almost all the way to top of mountain, then a short skidder trail bearing left from the woodlot takes you the rest of the way. Well worth the 30-40 minute walk!

The views from the top of the cliff are breathtaking. To the north you are able to see Cates Hill, Milan, Dummer, Milan Hill State park, 13 mile woods, the Mahoosuc range including the Mahoosuc Notch, widely regarded as the toughest mile on the Appalachain Trail. You can also see Goose Eye Mountain, Grafton Notch Maine and mountain ranges directly to the west of Sunday River Ski Area. To the south is the stunning views of the Presidential Range including Mount Washington, Wildcat Mountain Ski Area and more.

Jericho Mountain State Park link to ATV trails

The State of New Hampshire DRED has realeased a new trail map of the approximately 60 miles of trails that are finished in the Jericho Lake area in Berlin NH.

The State of NH has announced that news trails will soon be open on the northern portion of land to the north of NH Route 110, adding approximately another 10 miles of ATV trails immediately. These trails are near Head Pond, located in Berlin, NH. The state have also announced the completion of two scenic picnic pavilions in the park.

ATV Riders are beginning to notice….. Dozens of trucks and trailers can be seen every weekend with four wheelers, dirt bikes, ATV’s and other off road vehicles taking advantage of the beautiful scenery and the increasingly great riding. Every make and model of ATV was represented last weekend, including Polaris, Yamaha, Artic Cat and Honda ATVs.

Click here for a link directly to their site to print the file (PDF): http://www.nhtrails.org/uploads/JerichoTrailsMap-July2009.pdf
Antone who has pictures of their experience at the ATV park who would like to share them, please feel free to do so using the Add Photo link below…..