Leave the crowds behind and trace your own path through the tangled forests of Haycock Mountain to The Outliers—a remote section where adventure comes as much from the journey as the climb. Here, boulderers discover a playground of scattered blocs tucked into the woods, each hiding problems that invite curiosity and demand commitment. The ground crunches underfoot with fallen leaves, and the light shifts through the canopy as you make your way along a semi-maintained trail that quickly fades into a maze of bushwhacking. There's no clear signpost guiding your steps. Instead, your GPS becomes your best companion, steering you towards small clusters of rock waiting quietly off the beaten path.

The Outliers aren’t just a collection of problems; they’re an experience that rewards those willing to go a bit further. This is not roadside bouldering—expect the adventure of route-finding through dense brush, your muscles already awake by the time your fingers brush that first hold. The elevation here sits just under 450 feet, low enough to feel approachable, but rich with the wild feeling of discovery.

Problems span from approachable V0s to testpieces up to V9, with enough variety to pull in both persistent beginners in search of solitude and seasoned crushers chasing off-the-grid sends. If you’re looking to challenge yourself, classic lines like 45 Degree Wall (V7) and Proximity Infatuation (V11) await; these have earned local respect for their moves and positions within the Outliers’ puzzle of stone. Each bloc is a small adventure, with a unique approach and atmosphere—expect to navigate moss, lichen, and pine duff before you grip real stone.

Despite the area’s ruggedness, you’ll still find a palpable sense of peaceful isolation once the trail noise drops away. It’s easy to imagine you’re miles from civilization, even as the suburbs of southeastern Pennsylvania hum in the distance. The woods here are dense, especially off the main trail, with narrow deer paths sometimes the best option through thick undergrowth. Climbers often share tales of GPS tracks zigzagging wildly before landing at a boulder, but the reward is empty blocs and a hushed, almost private session among the rocks.

For those plotting a visit, the most common access is from the Saddle parking lot. Following the arching trail, you’ll head deeper into the trees, breaking off towards GPS points for each cluster. Some opt for North Mountain’s parking area depending on which blocs they’re targeting. The weather echoes the mid-Atlantic’s rolling seasons—cold, crisp days from late fall through spring are prime for friction and bug-free sending. Summer heat brings humidity and abundant greenery, sometimes obscuring trails even more, so plan accordingly.

Pads are essential—more than one per group is smart due to irregular landings and the possibility of shifting pads through thick brush. There’s no fixed protection here, only what you can carry on your back. Come prepared with sturdy approach shoes, a healthy respect for poison ivy, and enough water for a full day away from the car. The area’s unofficial status keeps it wild; don’t expect signage or amenities. Instead, you’ll emerge smudged by dirt, hands scratched, heart racing from good problems and the thrill of making the approach alone.

The Outliers stand out as an alternative for climbers wanting something beyond the well-trodden circuits. It’s a place where self-sufficiency and a dash of stubbornness are rewarded. You’ll leave with more than just tired muscles—you’ll gain the stories of getting there, the satisfaction of quiet wild space, and the memory of each boulder you conquered that day.