West Branch State Park Rock Climbing

There is a printable map with routes for West Branch Quarry, located on the Ohio Climbers Coalition website or you can access it directly here: West Branch Quarry Climbing Map. This is a small area, with short climbs of good quality, and a great area for beginners. Experienced climbers could easily do all the routes in a day. Most routes have anchors at the top of the cliff, approximately 1’ from the edge. A few of the routes need to be set up using trees. Please do not place ropes or anchor material across the Mountain Bike Trail that runs parallel to Lorax Wall. There are suitable anchor trees on the cliff side of the trail. Do as little damage to the trees as possible, the Lorax may be watching.

Please bring and attach your own gear to the anchors for Top Roping. Permanent anchors consist of 2 glue-in bolts about a foot from the edge. Never Top Rope directly through the anchors as this will destroy your rope and damage the anchors.

The area is mostly in the shade when the leaves are on the trees.

Current information about projects, improvements and other climber activity at West Branch and other Northern Ohio climbing areas can be found on the Northern Ohio Climbers group page on Facebook.

There are no restrooms or potable water within walking distance of the Quarry. Restrooms are located at the Beach, east of the climbing area. There are also restrooms off Rock Springs Road, west of the climbing area.

Trails: PLEASE STAY ON ESTABLISHED TRAILS. This is probably one of the easiest approaches you will ever encounter. From the parking lot, walk 125’, turn left and walk another 125’ to the quarry.

Mountain Bikes: A mountain bike trail parallels Lorax Wall. 

Please do not place ropes or anchor material across the Mountain Bike Trail that runs parallel to Lorax Wall.  Be cautious at the top of Lorax Wall as bikers may be riding past fairly close to you.   

Hunting: Hunting is allowed in this area of the park, 400 feet from trails. For your own safety,  please wear hunter orange during hunting season. The park normally puts up signs advising park visitors to wear hunter orange. Please respect other user groups while climbing. Dates for Ohio hunting seasons can be found here: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/wildlife

Climbers at West Branch State Park  have the support of the Division of Parks and Watercraft to climb at designated areas within the park, following all park rules and regulations.