Cathedral Ledge, is an iconic destination in the Mount Washington Valley for climbers of all ages and skill levels. The uptick in visitors, coupled with aging access routes (some will be 100 years old in 2020), has led to erosion concerns on the trails and staging areas of this popular climbing destination.
With REI’s support, this year we will undertake a component of a multi-year project to address increasing maintenance issues on climbing access trails, staging areas and other popular multi-use trails in this trail system. This work will both make the access routes safer for users and address erosion issues to reduce environmental impacts.
Much of the work at this stage of the project is technical, and will be conducted by professional crews. It will require highline rigging, stone splitting and shaping, and dry stack stone work. Training days on some of these techniques will be provided to volunteer crews, to build capacity for local stewardship of this area. The NFF and Forest Service are partnering with White Mtn. Trail Collective and multiple local organizations, including some youth groups, to accomplish this multi-year restoration effort.