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CLIMB MAINE

DISCOVER MAINE’S CLIMBING

Climb Maine's rock and ice with owner and expert climbing guide Ryan Howes and the Northern Vertical team in Acadia National Park, Camden Hills State Park, Clifton, Gulf Hagas, Grafton Notch State Park, Katahdin, Mount Kineo, Tumbledown Mountain, White Mountains and beyond. Whether you are a skilled climber seeking elevated instruction, a backcountry adventure on Maine and New Hampshire's classic climbs, or a beginner looking to enter this life-changing sport, our professional, local guides guarantee the highest quality instruction available, personalized backcountry climbing adventures, and year-round community climbing experiences. Northern Vertical offers these experiences for all ability levels including children, and we have made it easy for you to choose which one is right for you, your family, and group. Welcome to Northern Vertical!

CHOOSE YOUR MAINE CLIMBING ADVENTURE

NEW CLIMBERS

Camden Hills State Park is home to an abundance of beginner terrain. New climbers quickly discover rock climbing is equal parts challenging and fun. Learning the ropes with Northern Vertical this season will set the stage for a lifetime of climbing adventures. We are here to teach the sport in style.

CLIMBING INSTRUCTION

& COURSES

For experienced climbers who want to elevate their skills with the best climbing instructor in Maine, choose from our lineup of summer climbing packages and specialty courses, designed and led by Ryan who is the sought after guide for learning how to lead climb on rock and ice.

BACKCOUNTRY

Looking for the perfect rock climbing adventure in solitude? Maine’s abundant backcountry terrain has something for everyone, including the Northeast gem, Katahdin. Northern Vertical is the Katahdin specialists with decades of guided adventures within the park.

COMMUNITY
BASED
CLIMBING

Community based climbing experiences are all about one thing: building community. These shared adventures come in all shapes and sizes. Sign up for Tour de Camden or Women’s Climbing and make new adventure buddies. Meet them at one of our festivals in the beginning or end of the season.

WHY CLIMB WITH NV?

Because you want the best climbing experience possible. Owner and head guide, Ryan Howes has been climbing in Maine for over 25 years, has been the head guide for several climbing companies, has trained thousands of climbers and guides, and has a zero-accident safety record.

His excellent instruction started with a master’s degree in experiential education and a bachelor’s in adventure therapy and adventure education leadership. He’s more than qualified to show you the ropes! His list of qualifications keeps going - click the button for his backstory and full credentials.

MAINE CLIMBING VIDEOS

  • “Ryan is a deep and soulful person who cares about his clients and their state of wellness. He uses climbing as a vehicle for personal betterment. He's an elite climber but also a good dude who gives you your money's worth!”

    —Russ K

  • Apart from the thrill of accomplishing our objective, strength training to increase good health, two things stood out to me that day: the first is obvious - his expertise. At every step along the way he made sure I understood what we were doing and why. It quickly became apparent not only is he a highly qualified guide but a willing and eager teacher. The other quality I noticed, which stands out to this day, is his ability to get me to step outside my comfort zone.

    -Joel B.