OHIO OUTDOOR NOTEBOOK Rock climbers have a boulder outlook

Ohio meets the vertical challenge for rock climbing enthusiasts.
By LAURA JONES
SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR
Indoor rock-wall climbing has become something of national craze, and plenty of Ohioans have caught the fever. Fortunately for those who find indoor climbing a bit too artificial, Ohio is home to some genuine rocky cliffs that offer enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the real thing.
Climbing is a great sport for people of all ages and all skill levels, and Ohio offers some thrilling locations to put those skills to work. Interesting geological formations are hallmarks of the entire Hocking Hills region -- Old Man's Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Conkle's Hollow. For climbers at Hocking State Forest, for example, the geological point of interest is nearly a mile of sandstone cliff called the Big Spring area designated for public use.
Approaching Big Spring
As the name suggests, a steady stream of water cascades from the deeply concave face of Big Spring, at the west end of the climbing area. The cliff rises a spectacular 120 feet above a floor of jumbled boulders. Some of these large hunks of fallen stone -- known as slump blocks -- are at least 20 feet tall, allowing many beginners to get a taste for climbing without donning a harness, ropes and other tools of the trade.
The Big Spring cliff is another matter, however. With its impressive height and level of difficulty, it is definitely meant for more experienced climbers.
There are also plenty of opportunities for beginners or less advanced climbers along the forest's meandering rock face. Just east from Big Spring, for example, there are sections of flat wall that range from 15 to 30 feet tall -- notably in the area known as "In Between Hollow."
Access to the climbing area is from Big Pine Road, off Spring Hollow near state Route 374. Registration cards (climbers must register beforehand) and maps of the climbing/rappelling area are available at the parking lot kiosk.
For anyone who prefers to stay grounded, it can be just as much fun watching the climbers as it is to take part in this challenging sport. And even the most faint-hearted can enjoy more than 50 miles of hiking trails that wind through Hocking State Forest. Stands of towering eastern hemlocks thrive here because of the cool, moist climate found within the forest gorge. Some of the hemlocks are believed to be 400-500 years old.
Other sites
Rock climbers can also indulge their pastime at John Bryan State Park in Greene County, which maintains six designated climbing sites and one rappelling site. The area is situated within an outstanding limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami Scenic River. Climbers here will find a color-coding system, which defines the level of difficulty they will encounter. Each site is limited to a maximum of 10 climbers at a time, and you must register before going back to the cliffs.
If you are interested in climbing actual rocks, be sure to learn from an expert. It is important to have a good understanding of the sport, including how to correctly wear a harness, ascend and descend the rock face, and tie a secure knot. To remain safe and have fun, one of the best rules of thumb is to stay within your limit of expertise.
You can find more information about climbing, and where to go in Ohio, by visiting the Ohio Climbers Association Web site at ohioclimbers.org. To learn about the Hocking Hills region, contact the Hocking Hills Tourism Association at (800) HOCKING or 1800hocking.com.
laura.jones@dnr.state.oh.us