In the heart of Central Pennsylvania, North Hunters stands as an invitation for bold climbers—not just to climb, but to explore. North Hunters is the wild northern extension of the beloved Rocky Ridge, sitting quietly to the left as you approach the main Hunter’s Rocks areas. With minimal documentation and rare footsteps, this section offers an authentic adventure for those looking to experience bouldering far from the usual crowds.

Approaching North Hunters, you won’t find manicured trails or easy signposts. Instead, you park alongside Martin Gap Road in a modest pulloff and strike out directly up the ridge. The landscape is raw and unfiltered, with the approach cutting through low underbrush that’s forgiving most months outside the peak of summer. You quickly sense that this is terrain where your sense of direction and preparation matter. As you ascend, you’re surrounded by stratified sandstone outcrops; some solid, many coated in moss and dust that promise first ascents but also demand patience and some cleaning effort.

The rock here is spaced out—offering less of the dense boulder clusters found in the main Hunter’s area. Some layers are stable sandstone offering quality lines, while others are fragile, layered, and best left untouched. The adventurous spirit will find reward: among the mossy faces and scattered stones, there are real gems to be found. Boulderers who come armed with a trusty brush, a sense of possibility, and the willingness to put in extra effort will discover quality problems dotted along the ridge.

Perhaps most exciting is the sense of discovery that pervades every session here. Each boulder feels like it’s been waiting for you, its holds and sequences unique to this secluded forest corridor. The climbing is typically single-pitch bouldering—short but memorable, with landings that range from soft loam to tricky rock terraces. Local classic "Forest Child, The (V2)" stands out with its balance of challenge and aesthetic movement, earning three stars and a dedicated following among those who seek out the lesser-trodden corners of Hunter’s.

North Hunters sits at an elevation of approximately 871 feet, with a character that shifts through the seasons. Early spring and late fall are prime times to visit—the underbrush is low, humidity is manageable, and the crisp air makes for excellent friction. Summer brings thicker vegetation and more bugs, making for a slower approach and a bit more of an undertaking.

Navigating the access takes some awareness: the ridge marks the boundary between state forest land and private property to the far side. Stay on the road-facing slope and respect posted signage. The neighboring landowner is known to place signs well onto state land, so keep to the ridge’s eastern edge to ensure you remain legal. For up-to-date details and any changes, it’s wise to check in with the South Central Pennsylvania Climbers group.

Bringing gear is an exercise in practicality. With most problems warranting one or two crash pads and a stiff brush, you’re set for a productive session. The scattered nature of the boulders and the occasionally dirty holds mean that scouting, brushing, and patience turn a good day into a great one. There’s an undeniable satisfaction to scrubbing a problem clean for the first time and unlocking fresh sequences beneath the Pennsylvania canopy.

For those seeking to expand their circuit, Hunter's Rocks in its entirety offers a wide spectrum of climbing, but North Hunters is unmistakably for the adventurers—the ones who savor the process as much as the send. Hidden beauty, rich potential, and the feeling of earning every move await. If you’re looking for a day of low-key exploration, punctuated by challenging movement and the satisfaction of making a forgotten corner your own, North Hunters will reward your efforts.