Cathole Mountain

Cathole Mountain is a climbing area in Connecticut, about 1.5 miles from Meriden. It sits among several other climbing spots within a short distance, with Main Walls just 0.1 mile away and East Peak and Fall Wall each about a mile off. The climbing here is modest in scale. There are four routes in total, three of which are top-roped and one is traditional. Grades range from 5.7 to 5.10-, with Tomcat and Whiskers standing out as two of the best-known options. Whiskers is a traditional route at 5.7, and Tomcat is a top-rope route with the same grade, both with first ascents dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. Late spring and early fall tend to be the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Meriden show May highs around 70°F and September highs around 75°F, while July climbs to about 84°F. Hikers can also find the Red Trail and White Trail about 2.5 miles away. Paddlers have the Quinnipiac River roughly 5 miles off.