With over 2,000 routes, recommending a crag in Maine is a lot more challenging than recommending cragies in Louisiana. The most popular destination of course is Acadia National Park. Who could resist climbing right on the ocean where the sun first touches the US each and every morning. The camping, the vistas, the activities and the nearly 400 routes is tough to pass up, and I don’t recommend skipping such a phenomenal landmark.
But…
But, there are oodles of other places to climb in Maine, and for this rendition of Cragies and Snackies, I’m recommending that you head west to the Clifton Crags.
Clifton Crags is composed of four distinct climbing areas including Big Chick Hill, Eagle Bluff, Fletchers Bluff, and Parks Pond Bluff. With nearly 250 distinct routes of all grades and styles, most climbers would count themselves elated to be situated among the bluffs of Clifton!
250 is a pretty overwhelming number, so let me whittle it down a little. I vote that the first stop should be Big Chick Hill. A twenty-minute hike through a forest that has been described as having “Tuolumne like appeal” is the perfect distance to evoke stoke without diminishing the battery.
There are 42 routes at Big Chick, but there is one 4-star route that should not be avoided. Weakened Warrior is a 5.8 sport route that comes in at 110 ft requiring 16 draws and will use every centimeter of a 70-meter rope. So, come prepared, and make sure to knot the end of your rope.
You can also find several other highly rated routes in the same area including the creatively named 5.8 Glueme Day, and the classy 5.10 Sunday Candy.
The views from all four corners of the Clifton Crags will knock your socks off, but if it’s possible to plan your trip around the changing fall colors, Clifton will blow your mind!
With your mind blown, and your stomach empty, it’s time to refuel. Luckily, beautiful Bangor, Maine is less than 30 miles away.
Situated just a couple blocks south of the Stillwater River is local favorite, The Family Dog.
There are lots of options in and around Bangor, but if there is one thing that resonates with climbers, it’s dogs! Not only does FamDog sell hotdogs, they also welcome and encourage dogs to visit. So, while you’re refueling from all the sends out at Clifton, you can immerse yourself in doggo love!
If the puppy potential isn’t enough to convince you to visit The Family Dog, you should take a look at the menu.
They are open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The signature dishes are named after dog breeds, and their menu is adorned with cute dog pictures too. The lunch and dinner menu offers proteins that include Chicken, Burger, Vienna Dog, Black Bean Burger, and Impossible Burger. Once you select a protein it’s on to the nearly endless toppings, from there can select your sides which include three types of fries, onion rings, and salads.
My recommendation is the Black Bean Xolo which includes avocado salsa spread sprinkled with fresh diced tomatoes, lettuce, pepper jack cheese, and Cajun mayo. The Akita would be my second option containing grilled pineapple and homemade spicy Thai slaw…YUM! Sweet potato fries on the side and chocolate peanut butter Family Dog Shake to wash it all down.
It’s worth noting that there are several hotdog options as well, including the Detroit Coney Dog!!! Shoutout to the Motor City! FamDog also serves subs and salads, and the children’s section is adorably referred to as Puppy Chow (so cute)!
Clifton Crags and FamDog, Mainely1 a climber’s heaven, where dogs abound and climbers flourish!
Location: Bangor, Maine “Dirigo”
Crag: Clifton Crags
Restaurant: The Family Dog
Distance: 22 Miles
- I’m not sure why every Main Street in Maine isn’t called Maine Street? I’m not sure why Mainers aren’t referred to as Maniacs? There is so much pun potential in Maine, and I’m not sure why this isn’t a Maine priority?
thedihedral.com 