"Good Night Gracie is a nuanced 95-foot trad climb at Minkey Wall, weaving between distinct cracks with steady protection and finger-sized placements. It offers an excellent test of technical skill with a practical rack and a straightforward approach in the quiet cliffs near Welsford."
Good Night Gracie offers a focused trad climb that invites climbers to engage with the subtle interplay of cracks and corners on Minkey Wall’s Cochrane Lane Cliffs. This single-pitch route demands a keen eye for detail and steady crack technique as you make your way up 95 feet of discontinuous fissures tucked between the more prominent lines of The Smoking Crack and A Warm and Sultry Evening. As you start, you'll find yourself working around a corner to clip the bolt—a subtle nod to protection on an otherwise traditional climb. The rock here is solid but requires thoughtful footwork and the occasional stretch to secure gear placements, especially in finger-sized cracks that double up your rack’s usefulness.
The approach to the climb sets the tone: the forested trail opens at the base of imposing buttresses where the granite feels alive under your fingertips, cool yet rough. The route’s character is a blend of sustained technical moves and paced rests on spacious ledges, giving you room to reassess before pushing onward. Expect a bit of route-finding finesse as some holds blur the path between neighbors, but this challenge sharpens your instincts and rewards careful reading of the rock.
Good Night Gracie sits in a quieter sector of Welsford, New Brunswick—a spot known for clean lines and moderate access. The climb stretches over a well-protected 95 feet, offering a solid 5.10b/c PG13 grade that will test both endurance and patience. While the protection leans toward standard trad with a bolt compliment, finger-sized cams are especially useful given the crack sizes and occasional tricky placements. Climbers often find themselves savoring the mix of technical crimps and jammed fingers, all set against the backdrop of northern forested hills giving occasional glimpses of sunlight dancing through the canopy.
Timing here favors spring through fall, when the rock is dry and temperatures encourage steady movement without overheating. The route holds afternoon sun in early to mid-season but benefits from a partial canopy shade, making for comfortable, all-day climbing. A straightforward descent via walk-off offers a smooth end to the experience, though caution is recommended on loose talus near the base.
Whether you’re refining trad skills or seeking a clear, engaging test of mid-grade climbing, Good Night Gracie delivers a refined balance of challenge and enjoyment. It’s a distinctive line worth the approach, rewarding climbers who value precision over theatrics and embrace the nuanced dialogue between hands, feet, and rock.
While the bolt offers an anchor point early, protection relies mainly on finger-sized cams which require careful placement. Loose talus near the base demands attention during the approach and descent. Be mindful of the awkward ledge transitions and ensure secure footing on the less obvious holds.
Start by climbing carefully around the corner to clip the bolt early in the pitch.
Doubles in finger-sized cams make gear placements smoother and safer.
Watch for subtle holds that share space with neighboring routes; stay focused on your line.
Descend by walking off cautiously, paying attention to talus and loose rock.
Bring a standard trad rack focusing on doubles in finger-sized cams. One bolt is available for early protection. Prepare for placements in discontinuous cracks between major features.
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