Newport Quarry Rock Wall, Newport, Rhode Island
Ben's Review
04/08
If you are into rock climbing, this place is not too shabby. It is about 40 feet tall (maybe) and has a few cool routes. The rock is granite methinks and the quarry rock was used to make the type of houses I can't afford. Now some rich folk donated the land the quarry is on and it is a pretty downright gorgeous park. It has a nice grassy path, a great clearing for a picnic, and of course, a rock wall.
As far as the climbing goes, there are easier routes on the left (think 5.5) some harder stuff in the middle (5.7 or 5.8) and closer to the right side there is a more vertical face (which is actually bolted) that is probably closer to 5.10). If you do it sport, get ready for some reachy moves and thin holds, but it is not sustained, so it isn't so hard.
The hardest thing about climbing here is finding it.* I have been there 5 times and still get lost. Word has it that the place is off of hazard ave. Check out a climbing website and they will have better directions.
Anyhow, it is in Newport, so if you don't wanna drive to Lincoln Woods to Boulder, and don't want to climb inside or outside in CT, then this spot isn't bad.
Plus, it has a good view of the water from the cliff top, which is key if your plans involve a trip to smooch-ville with a lady-person.
* Directions: (http://climbri.com/quarrymp.htm) Take Hazard Road off Ruggles Avenue almost directly across from Rogers High School. A few hundred feet on your right is a steel gate and a sign for Ballard Park. Park here and follow the path to the quarry.
