I finally managed to get Ron and Brian to go climbing with me, and now they've got the itch. And so do I.
We were so busy setting up the anchors that we didn't pay any attention to the weeds growing at the base of the rock. Turns out the "weeds" were poison ivy.
Oh well... climb on!

There aren't very many places to climb in northeast Ohio. Although I prefer to climb outdoors, I've been spending a lot of time at the local rock gyms due to restrictions such as weather and available daylight.

Most of my outdoor climbing is done at Whipps Ledges at the Hinckley Reservation Metropark, but be advised... permits are required! They're free with proof of $300,000 combined bodily injury and property damage insurance, and can be requested from:

Visitors Services Division
Cleveland Metroparks
Administative Offices
101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, OH 44114

Telephone: (216) 351-6300

Another nice (but small) place I like is McConnell's Mill State Park in western Pennsylvania. The park is about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh near the intersection of of Rt. 19 and Rt. 422, and includes the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, a great place for white water kayaking. The main climbing area across the creek from the old mill is rather small, so you have to get there pretty early if you want to get on one of the better routes. Scouting groups will often monopolize the routes by setting up multiple ropes and then "sport rappelling" all day.

A smaller, but much more rugged and challenging climbing area is located near Breakneck Bridge. The few routes here are more advanced and scouts are seldom seen.

For more information contact:

Department of Environmental Resources
McConnell's Mill State Park
R.R. 2, Box 16
Portersville, PA 16051-9401

Telephone: (412) 368-8091 or 368-8811

The Northeast Ohio Climbers Coalition - The Northeast Ohio Climbers Coalition ensures public access to rock climbing areas by working with the climbing community, authorities, landowners and property managers while encouraging environmental conservation and responsible climbing.

Kendall Cliffs - Kendall Cliffs is the only professionally-designed and built rock gym in Ohio. The Nicros designed gym has a combination of textured plywood and "natural" rock surfaces. With over 7,000 square feet of climbing surface , and a peak height of 35 feet, the most unique feature of the facility is a 35-foot high arch traversing the span of the building. They offer top roping and lead climbing to keep even the most advanced climbers challenged and the large rock bouldering cave is perfect for training.

Appalachian Outfitters - Appalachian Outfitters is a family-owned business started by Bob Collins which opened May 1, 1988, in a small Canton strip mall. In 1999, they opened the Peninsula store and Kendall Cliffs rock gym, one that is considered of the premiere outdoor retail facilities in the U.S.

Cleveland Rock Gym - Whether you're already hooked on climbing, or just interested in exploring the sport, Cleveland Rock Gym is the place for beginner, intermediate, and advanced indoor / rock climbers. Climbing is a journey of self discovery and team building. Our goal is to help you develop the habits, skills and emotions necessary to manage the dangers inherent in the sport, and take new confidence and self-esteem into your home environment.