YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel
Campground
Campground · 3.1 mi from the trail
Connecticut · Rock climbing · Hamden · Near Middletown
Between the Chin and Chest
Photo: olekinderhook, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)- 7 routes
- V1 – V4
- Bouldering
- Apr–Oct
- best months
Between the Chin and Chest is a climbing area in Connecticut, about a third of a mile from the town of Mount Carmel. The name points to the Chin and Chest, two of the close-by rock formations that make up the cluster of climbing spots in this part of the state. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Mount Carmel put May highs around 71°F and September highs around 76°F, with lows in the mid-40s to mid-50s. That station sits roughly 400 feet lower than the area, so temperatures here run a little cooler. Sleeping Giant is the closest climbing area, about 0.1 mile away. Judge Cook's Oxen Trail and Neck, The are also within a tenth of a mile, and Tip Top of the White Trail is about 0.2 mile off.
Around this trail
Add any of these when you start a tripSleep close Eat after Tonino's Pizzeria
Restaurant
On your way back · 1 mi
If it rainsMConradWard, CC0 · Wikimedia CommonsMeriden Historical Society Museum & History Center
Museum
On your way back · 9 mi
Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: MConradWard, CC0 (commons)
More in MiddletownBest time to go · Apr–Oct
Best time to visit Between the Chin and Chest
Best months: April–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.
Jan
38° / 20°
10 wet
Feb
41° / 22°
9 wet
Mar
48° / 28°
11 wet
Apr
60° / 38°
12 wet
May
71° / 48°
11 wet
Jun
79° / 58°
10 wet
Jul
85° / 64°
10 wet
Aug
84° / 62°
9 wet
Sep
76° / 55°
9 wet
Oct
64° / 43°
9 wet
Nov
52° / 34°
9 wet
Dec
42° / 26°
11 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mt Carmel, CT, 1.2 mi away at 180 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
Routes (7)
Bench Area(3)
Wiessner's Spleen(2)
Keep exploring — more climbs worth the drive
Photo: olekinderhook, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)The Chin
Next door
Chin, The in Connecticut has 11 traditional climbing routes across 9 grades.
Photo: olekinderhook, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)Top of the White Trail
Next door
Top of the White Trail in Connecticut has 18 bouldering routes across 6 grades.
Photo: olekinderhook, CC BY 3.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)Toni Harp Bloc
~12 min drive
Toni Harp Bloc in Connecticut has 5 bouldering routes with 5 difficulty grades.
CLIMB
Sleeping Giant
Next door
7 bouldering routes in Connecticut with 7 distinct difficulty grades.
CLIMB
The Neck
Next door
The Neck is a Connecticut climbing crag with 5 routes across 4 grades.
CLIMB
Tip Top of the White Trail
Next door
7 bouldering routes in Connecticut spanning 4 grades.
CLIMB
The Crossroads
Next door
Crossroads, The in Connecticut has 9 climbing routes on 6 difficulty grades.
CLIMB
Tower Area
~1 min drive
Tower Area in Connecticut has 8 climbing routes with 6 difficulty grades.
CLIMB
Left Leg
~2 min drive
Left Leg is a 10-route bouldering crag in Connecticut with 5 difficulty grades.
CLIMB
Right Knee
~2 min drive
Right Knee in Connecticut has 19 climbing routes with 13 difficulty grades.
