Bouldering AT
pothole boulders
Pothole
Bouldering
It’s a short problem but super stout. Beginning on crimps it works up over sloping rock to a seam and awkward mantle onto the shelf above.
Mid Valley Bouldering Areas
🧗‍♂️ Mid Valley Bouldering – A Hidden Gem in Lackawanna County 🧗‍♀️
If your local its worth checking out if you’re not local you’d be driving far to only some small outcrops of boulders.
If you’re looking to escape the mayhem of popular spots to climb  and explore some lesser-known bouldering spots in Northeast PA, the Mid Valley region—encompassing Dickson City, Olyphant, Throop, and Blakely—is your go-to area. While not widely publicized, this region offers a mix of urban-secluded and natural outcrops perfect for those seeking solitude and adventure.
đź“Ť Where to Go:
Montdale Climbing Area: A short drive from the Mid Valley, Montdale offers a small but unique bouldering experience. With a few dozen routes, it’s reminiscent of the Gunks but on a much smaller scale.
nextascent.org
What to Expect:
Rock Quality: Expect a mix of conglomerate and sandstone formations. While not as polished as some of the more famous spots, the rock provides a gritty challenge.
Seclusion: These areas are off the beaten path, ensuring you have the place to yourself. Perfect for those who prefer solitude over crowds.
Access: While some spots are easily accessible, others might require a bit of a hike or a keen eye to find. Always respect private property and local regulations.
⚠️ A Few Reminders:
Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you bring in. These areas are pristine, and we want to keep them that way.
Respect Local Communities: Be mindful of noise levels and parking. These are residential areas, and we want to maintain good relationships with the locals.
Safety First: Always climb with a buddy, have proper spotting, and use crash pads where necessary.
📸 Share Your Adventures:
If you discover a new problem or have beta to share, post it! Let’s keep the local climbing community informed and connected. Use hashtags like #MidValleyBouldering or #NEPABouldering to share your experiences.
Another area classic
Located next to Wonderball is a classic called Galaga. This is a stout variation that only uses the slopers to the left of the start seam.
Galaga V9
Another area classic
Located next to Wonderball are several warmups. The cliffband and some small boulders are perched along a hillside offering shade and a few fun lines. There isn’t a ton of hard stuff here but there are a handful of moderates on 4-star quality rock.
Looks like granite, feels like sandstone, climbs like diabase
We are not saying this is 100% diabase but it does climb and feel and look like it.
Diabase (also called dolerite) is a fine- to medium-grained igneous rock, similar in composition to basalt but with a coarser texture. It’s formed when magma cools slowly beneath the Earth’s surface, which gives it its solid, durable character.
🧗 Why Climbers Love It:
Friction: Diabase has excellent texture — not as slick as granite, not as sharp as sandstone. It gives just enough bite without chewing up your tips.
Holds Variety: Expect slopers, rails, and technical edges. Diabase often forms horizontal fractures and blocky features, which make for some mentally engaging climbing.
Durability: It’s weather-resistant and tends to maintain its features over time, making problems on diabase pretty consistent year-round.
⚠️ Heads Up:
In some spots, diabase can be slick when wet. It doesn’t dry as fast as sandstone, so timing your sessions after a rain is key.
It can also be pretty ankle-snappy if you blow a top-out — always pad up and bring a solid spotter.
Diabase
sandstone mix
The Guidebook
The
Guide
Download the Next Ascent app for the complete guidebook for the Pothole Boulders. Â It’s called the Mid Calley Guidebook in our app. It has beta on this small area and lists all the bouldering.
