Rising above the forests and patchwork neighborhoods of Berlin, New Hampshire, The Arete Area of Mt Forist provides climbers with a blend of granite adventure and small-town charm. Although not the largest of Mt Forist’s climbing zones, this sector stands out for its unique character—a mosaic of classic moderate slabs, technical faces, and the ever-present hum of the wild North Woods.

Approaching The Arete Area is a mix of anticipation and practicality. The forest thins as you traverse the narrow climber’s path along the base, the cliff looming quietly overhead. Sturdy boots tread dirt and pine needles, weaving past the tall granite features that define this zone. The air is cool, seasoned by elevation and the ever-changing weather patterns that sweep across New Hampshire’s northern peaks. At approximately 1,230 feet above sea level, The Arete Area perches high enough to offer sweeping views once you break the treeline—yet it remains close enough to town for a cold drink after climbing.

The main faces here once included well-loved moderates like "Chuck Taylor All Stars" and the highly-rated "Lichen It." Recent rockfall, however, has altered the landscape dramatically. Large swaths above these routes have shed rock and left a tangle of broken trees and debris in their wake—making them currently unclimbable and a powerful reminder to always assess conditions and respect closures. Instead, climbers are steered towards the faces further right, where solid stone, cleaner slabs, and intriguing movement remain accessible.

Among these, "Business Trip" stands tall as a highlight, challenging those ready for a 170-foot journey up technical features and subtle edges. Climbing here is a lesson in careful footwork and mindful placement, and the multi-pitch aspect only increases the sense of adventure. For those seeking a moderate day, "Birthday Boy" offers a clean 100-foot slab with just enough friction and slope to keep your focus sharp—a two-star route where confidence and precision reward the attentive climber. Continuing along the faint trail, the granite seems to open up; the "Sneaker Slab" greets you with a 110-foot, 5.1 cruise—perfect for newer leaders or as a relaxing finish to a more demanding day.

Route-finding in The Arete Area provides its own flavor of challenge. Trails can fade into overgrown ledges and watercourses, especially as you venture further out, demanding awareness to navigate from one formation to the next. The reward, though, is worth it—quiet afternoons interrupted only by the clatter of gear and the occasional hawk circling overhead. And with varied grades—from mellow slabs to engaging 5.9 challenges—there’s a satisfying diversity for mixed groups or those looking to push their movement in a lower-key setting.

While The Arete Area shares the rough-and-ready spirit of much New England climbing, it’s not a spot for unchecked boldness. Always be wary of shifting rock, seasonal changes, and the occasional loose block—especially after local events like the recent rockfall. The fixed hardware is generally solid, though some older bolts or anchors may warrant inspection if it’s been a while since the last ascent.

Seasonal timing can make all the difference. Spring brings cool temps and variable runoff, painting the slabs with slick patches; summer is prime, with breezy shade and sun trading places across the face as the day turns; the autumn months turn the hilltop forests into a blaze of red and gold—while the cliff itself stays just dry and frictiony enough to stretch those last sends before winter’s freeze.

For both the climber seeking classic lines and the adventurer wanting an off-the-beaten-path day, The Arete Area isn’t about chasing crowds or ticking endless routes—it’s about immersing yourself in granite, quiet woods, and the rhythm of the North Country. Every step on that narrow climber’s path is a step into the local climbing tradition: a practical, wild, and ultimately rewarding adventure on New Hampshire stone.