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Is there any climbing in Ohio?

Original Post
Jasna Hodzic · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 0

Specifically around Athens? I was looking into school there and couldn't find much about any climbing, so kind of am assuming there isn't too much.. prove me wrong! :)

Dylan Weldin · · Ramstein, DE · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 1,715

I started masters work this fall and quickly bought my first hangboard. The RRG is 3.5 hours away, the NRG is 2.5 hours and Seneca is 3.5 hours. The campus gym has pitches from 5.6-5.13, but there are only 4 usable anchors on the wall and during open gym you often find yourself waiting in line to climb.

There is room for new route development at a nearby sandstone area called "Hocking Hills" (45 minutes) and a few scattered bolted lines in Strouds Run park a short drive out of town.

The bouldering at Witches and CoAd keep folks occupied, but I've found training indoors during the week nice with the reward of weekend trips to stay psyched.

There's some good info here: athensbouldering.blogspot.c…

Go Back to Super Topo · · Lex · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 285
Jasna wrote:Specifically around Athens? I was looking into school there and couldn't find much about any climbing, so kind of am assuming there isn't too much.. prove me wrong! :)
I have climbed all across the US and still think that Athens has some of the most UNDERRATED bouldering I've ever encountered. I firmly believe that any of the classics there would be classics anywhere in the US ( the classics that stand out to me being: "Birds Nest (V5), Slot or Not (V3/4), Fire in the Hole (V2)) There is more than enough to keep any level climber busy for many many years.

Not to mention what Dylan mentioned, RRG and NRG are within a weekend trip, many people will make day trips to the NRG as well.

Overall, I think OU is not only one of the best college atmospheres in the country but also contains the best viable "climbing college" option in Ohio. The climbing culture there tends to come in waves but is always a strong close-knit community with strong climbers that cultivate life-long friendships. OU-Oh yeah!!

fck, now I miss being in Athens lol
Go Back to Super Topo · · Lex · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 285

I will however say that you cannot expect to get strong off of the "climbing wall" on campus alone, the closest real gym is in Columbus....but the bouldering and campus make up for that tenfold

Lucas Agricola · · Charlotte, NC · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 0

The Salt Fork State Park boulders are definitely worth checking out, too. The rock there seems to be a little less sandy than Athens, but the area is not quite as established.

Steven Lee · · El Segundo, CA · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 385

People have already mentioned RRG which is wonderful. Also, Seneca Rocks is not that far away, and there's some stuff in Ohiopyle, PA. However, if you're looking for something actually in the state - it's going to be pretty limited. Hocking hills has some designated climbing spots.

climbmidwest.com/rockclimbi…

If you have a weekend, though, just drive to RRG.... I used to do day trips from Cincy to RRG every weekend.

Go Back to Super Topo · · Lex · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 285
polloloco wrote:People have already mentioned RRG which is wonderful. Also, Seneca Rocks is not that far away, and there's some stuff in Ohiopyle, PA. However, if you're looking for something actually in the state - it's going to be pretty limited. Hocking hills has some designated climbing spots. climbmidwest.com/rockclimbi… If you have a weekend, though, just drive to RRG.... I used to do day trips from Cincy to RRG every weekend.
People often make day trips to the NRG from Athens on a regular basis
Steven Lee · · El Segundo, CA · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 385

Good point. NRG was never on my radar for weekend trips from Cincy, but makes sense from Athens.

matt c. · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 155

might want to check this out instead of going to school in OH

other options

Go Back to Super Topo · · Lex · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 285
matt c. wrote:might want to check this out instead of going to school in OH other options
and then compare out of state tuition there, compared to in state in Ohio...
Philip Lutz · · Akron, OH · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 165
Go Back to Super Topo · · Lex · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 285
Philip Lutz wrote:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqW9viLJlNM
Not near OU, nor is there much information floating around about this area that I'm aware, unless things have changed in the past 6 months...?
Jasna Hodzic · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 0

Thanks for the responses, everyone!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Midwest
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