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.