Meet Your Guides | The Story Behind Equinox Guiding Service

Locally Rooted. Professionally Guided.

Equinox Guiding Service was founded in 2017 with a simple goal: to offer world-class climbing experiences rooted in Maine’s rugged beauty and small-town values. Led by owner and local climber Noah Kleiner, we specialize in thoughtful, safety-focused guiding across the Midcoast, Acadia, and beyond. Whether you’re new to climbing or chasing your next big objective, our AMGA Certified Guides are here to help you connect deeply—with the rock, the landscape, and yourself.

Our Story

Equinox Guiding Service was born from a deep love for Maine’s mountains, cliffs, and coastlines—and a belief that outdoor adventure should be rooted in professionalism, humility, and care.

Founded in 2017, Equinox began as a one-person guiding operation with a simple goal: to share the experience of climbing in Maine in a way that is safe, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the landscape. What started on the granite cliffs of Camden Hills slowly grew into a guide service operating across the state—from the sea cliffs of Acadia National Park to the alpine terrain surrounding Mount Katahdin and the remote ice climbs of western Maine.

Owner Noah Kleiner grew up just down the road in Union, Maine. Like many climbers, his path began with curiosity—exploring local crags, learning from mentors, and slowly building a life around the mountains. After spending years climbing, guiding, and working within the broader climbing community, Noah returned home with a vision: to build a guide service rooted in Maine, focused on education, professionalism, and authentic outdoor experiences.

Today, Equinox Guiding Service is an AMGA-accredited guide service, a distinction held by only a small number of climbing schools in the United States. Our programs range from first-time climbing experiences to advanced technical courses, including rock climbing, ice climbing, multi-pitch instruction, and professional guide training. Many of our guests arrive as beginners and leave with a deeper connection to climbing and the outdoors.

But at its heart, Equinox has always remained something simple.

We believe climbing is about more than reaching the top. It’s about connection—to the landscape, to your partner, and to yourself. Standing on granite above the ocean, feeling the rhythm of movement on the rock, or learning to trust the rope and your team—these are the moments that stay with people long after the climb is finished.

Our guides approach every trip with patience, professionalism, and respect for the places we work. We prioritize small groups, clear communication, and meaningful instruction so that every climber—whether it’s their first time on a rope or their first multi-pitch route—can feel confident and supported.

We are educators, guides, and stewards of the places we climb. We believe in building skills that last, fostering respect for Maine’s wild landscapes, and helping people experience the quiet joy of moving through mountains and cliffs.

Because for us, this isn’t just where we guide.

It’s home.

If you’re interested in climbing with us, explore our guided climbing trips in Maine or learn more about our climbing courses.

Learn more

Why Climbers Choose Equinox Guiding Service

  • AMGA Accredited Guide Service — One of a small number of climbing guide services in the United States recognized by the American Mountain Guides Association for meeting the highest standards of professionalism and risk management.

  • Locally Owned and Operated — Founded by Maine native Noah Kleiner, who grew up climbing in the Camden Hills and continues to guide across the state.

  • Professional Instruction — Programs range from first-time climbing experiences to advanced courses including multi-pitch climbing, self-rescue, and professional guide training.

  • Deep Knowledge of Maine Climbing — Our guides work on cliffs across the state, including Camden Hills, Acadia National Park, Clifton Crags, Katahdin, and Maine’s winter ice climbing areas.

  • Small Groups & Personal Instruction — We keep group sizes small so every climber receives clear instruction, attention, and a safer learning environment.