The impressive granite faces on the valley's west side are fine to look at and photograph, and if you've got the skills they can also be climbed. Cathedral Ledge and Whitehorse Ledge attract climbers from all over who consider these cliffs, along with the Shawangunks in New York and Seneca Rocks in West Virginia, a sort of eastern troika where they put their grace and technical acumen to the test.
Experienced climbers will have their own sources of information on the best access and routes. Inexperienced climbers should sign up for a class taught by one of the local outfitters, whose workshops run from 1 day to 1 week.
To get ready, practice, or just keep in shape on rainy days, the Cranmore Family Fitness Center (tel. 603/356-6301), near the Mount Cranmore base lodge, has an indoor climbing wall open Monday to Friday from 5 to 8pm, Saturdays from 2pm, and Sundays from noon. The fee is $15, including equipment. Newcomers must pass a belay test (free) before climbing; if your skills aren't up to snuff, you'll be asked to take a lesson. Private, semiprivate, and group lessons are available. You can also play tennis on the courts here for a fee, or buy a day pass that allows free-run access of the center.
