In fact, Conway granite is what makes the Mt. Washington Valley such a premiere rock climbing destination. The Cathedral and White Horse Ledges, which dominate North Conway's western skyline, provide easy access for intermediate and advanced rock climbing trips. The rock climbing season extends from April through November.
Ice climbing becomes dominant in the winter months.
Adventurous climbers find challenging routes on both accessible and secluded crags up and down the region. The White Mountains have the most extensive and varied terrain in the East, perfectly suited to teach climbers general mountaineering skills, as well as the special abilities required to climb steep ice. Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range, coupled with waterfall ice in places like Frankenstein Cliff and Cathedral Ledge, provide the greatest profusion of climbs in the most compact and easily accessed climbing area in the nation. According to climber pros, 6,288-foot Mt. Washington has some of the toughest winter gully climbing in the country. Climbing is challenging, exciting, and physically demanding.