McQuirks Mountain offers many climbing opportunities

Rockclimbingisanexcellentsportfor peopleseeking anultimateoutdoor adventure that will challenge their physical and mental endurance and provide an adrenaline rushthat will leave them craving more.

Calixte LeBlanc, theCBC'soutdoor adventure columnist,recently spent a day climbing at McQuirks Mountain near St. George.

The climbs range from beginner to intermediate and offera sweet view of the Bonny River, a popular spot for people with pontoon boats.

"And there are some cottages, so it's kind of a nice view, a nice river. It's peaceful," saidLeBlanc.

"I would recommend it."

LeBlanc says the realbeauty of this spot is the locals that have been developing itand have created a little campsite for climbers not far from a spring.

"So about 50 metresfrom the crag, the cragis the cliff,they've made this beautiful little campsite. There's firewood there, it's all well organized so climbers can show up, climb for the day on Saturday and thenjust put their tent up have a campsite, campfire."

LeBlancsays the site is special and New Brunswick is very lucky to have it.

Where to begin

There are various types of rock climbing for people to choose from: indoor sport climbing, bouldering, sport climbing and traditionalclimbing.

LeBlanc suggests beginners start with an internetsearch to learn some basic terminology and to understandmore about the varioustypes of climbing.

Anextstepmightbetofindanindoorclimbinggym whereinstruction is provided and skill can be developed in a supervised space.

Professional instruction is essential for beginners, specialized gear is required and one should always climb withat least one other person.

Getting there

McQuirks Mountain is a high quality, granite cliff with a 60 metre centre wall.

Climbs range from 10 metres toamulti-pitch 82-metre ascent.

There are numerous rappelling stations at the top; alternatively, one can easily hike down the mountain on the north or south side.

This is an excellent camping site for climbersnear the base of the mountain with a fresh water spring nearby.

Access:

McQuirksMountainislocated between St. George and Bonny River. From Saint John and pointseast,headwest on Highway1.Takeexit #56andturnleft.TurnrightontoMainStreet.TurnrightontoRiverviewAvenueHwy770)and continue 8 kms. After house #643, count gravel pullouts on the left.

Park off the highway at the fourth pull out.

Walk on a flat, abandoned tail line for 600 metres.Access a small trail on the right marked with green flagging tape. Follow this trail on a 300-metreascent until you reach the base of the cliff.

Approachtime:10to15minutes

Next: Calixte LeBlancwill hike the Fundy Footpath. You can hear about that adventure on Oct.14on Information Morning.