Philosophy Wall, 5.6-5.11d

Overview

If the Matrix is not the least-used and least-appreciated spot at North Shore, this is. With only two or three bolted routes and a few trad routes on limestone and lots of toprope routes, this place gets little attention. The local guidebook lists over 30 toprope routes from 5.6 to 5.11d. There are numerous bolted anchors up top. Some require long slings or some cord instead of just quickdraws. Many routes share anchors. To get to the top, lead a bolted route or scramble up 3rd class terrain off to the right.

Getting There

Hike down and cross the creek. The wall is to your right and slightly uphill. Look for a path or bushwhack and have fun dodging poison ivy.

Routes

As I mentioned, there are over 30 routes here. Rather than list them all, I'll list 4 that I've led and will later add those I've toproped.

• Unnamed Dihedral-- 5.7, 1 bolt. Best as access to the top to set topropes.
• Unnamed Crack-- 5.7, trad. Protect with big cams.
• John the Baptist's Belt-- 5.7, trad. Can also take big cams.
• The Jodi Adair Show-- 5.6, sport, 3 bolts.