The Trenches: A Gritty, Gunks-Like Bouldering Experience in Conglomerate Stone

Hidden deep in the folds of a northeastern forest, The Trenches is a raw, unpolished bouldering area that’s quickly gaining recognition among climbers looking for old-school grit with a twist. Carved into layers of conglomerate, this unassuming maze of trench-like corridors and boulders feels like a secret crag —one that climbers must expolre extensivly to learn their way around. While it’s a newer name on the radar, those who’ve chalked up here can’t help but draw comparisons to the classic horizontal breaks, gear-eating cracks, and technical trickery of New York’s Shawangunks—aka the Gunks.

What sets The Trenches apart is its combination of aesthetics and difficulty. Boulderers move between steep trench-like passageways, often no more than a few feet wide, to reach problems that range from slopey mantels and compression hell to perfectly spaced horizontal rails. The rock quality, mostly conglomerate, is solid—with deeply embedded edges and rails providing bomber holds. Many lines feel sculpted: pinches, pockets, and underclings emerge from unlikely surfaces, often requiring full-body tension and creative beta to unlock.

Problems at The Trenches span from V0 to V10+, though the area tends to favor the technically proficient climber who thrives on insecure feet, high top-outs, and commitment. Climbers often say that if you’ve spent time deciphering the classics like The Buddha in the Gunks, you’ll feel right at home—and equally humbled—at The Trenches. Dynamic moves to blind slopers above ankle-breaking landings are common, and a solid crew of spotters and multiple pads is a must at the high spots but you don’t even need a pad at the majority of this area (bring one though).

Despite its secluded feel, The Trenches has a growing sense of community and quiet respect. There’s no signage, no designated parking lot beta, and until the Next Ascent app guidebook there was previously no definitive guidebook—just word of mouth, cryptic topos, and a tacit understanding to leave it wild. Moss removal is done with care, not zeal. First ascensionists often leave routes unnamed, letting the rock speak louder than any ego. Luckily the new Next Ascent app guide lists the majority of more-popular bouldering with plans to add more soon.

If you’re a climber who appreciates the Gunks’ mix of cerebral movement and bold style—but wants to escape the crowds and find something more primal—The Trenches might be your next proving ground. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the kind of place where legends are built, problem by problem, trench by trench.

Located on the west part of the boulder feild, The Saddle boulder hosts a handful of easy and moderate problems..

Download the Next Ascent app for the complete guidebook for the Traxx and Trenches  Boulders.  You can also subscribe to Next Ascent and unlock every guide in our platform. It has beta on this small area and lists all the bouldering.