GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire County is known for its rolling mountains, scenic hiking trails and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. However, until recently, one thing was missing: a dedicated indoor space for the region's climbing community.

 

A new community-oriented climbing gym, Berkshire Boulder, is filling that gap by providing a year-round space for climbers of all skill levels to train, connect, develop their skills, and introduce newcomers to the sport. 

 

"The idea of a climbing gym in the area has been a multi-decade-long dream for a lot of people," said founder Nick Friedman. 

 

The closest gym is over an hour away and although the idea had been discussed for years, bringing it to fruition required several pieces to fall into place, he said. 

 

The facility was designed to accommodate climbers of varying experience levels while maximizing its approximately 4,000 square feet of space, general manager Austen McNulty. 

 

It features bouldering walls reaching 14 feet, designed with assistance from Dan Yagmin of Decoy Climbing, who also supplied many of the climbing holds. It also offers additional fitness equipment and an adjustable spray board that can be positioned from vertical to a 70-degree overhang, McNulty said.

 

The wall heights allow climbers to challenge themselves without taking on the risks associated with taller climbing structures, McNulty said.