A first-timer's guide to Ohio's only via ferrata climb
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Alissa, about 100 feet in the air, taking in Quarry Trails Metro Park last month. Photo: Alissa Widman Neese/Axios
I've never been rock climbing, but with Ohio's only via ferrata essentially in my backyard, I had to try it for another "never have I ever" experience.
Why it matters: The Quarry Trails Metro Park route is also the only urban via ferrata in the country, and two years since its opening, the hype hasn't died down.
State of play: All climbs are free and guided, but fill quickly and have long waitlists. While unfortunately it's now closed for the season, maybe this will inspire you to mark your calendars for April.
How it works: Via ferrata is Italian for "iron way," referring to the rungs embedded in the cliff to help you maneuver. They serve as handles and footrests.
- Quarry Trails' course is about 1,000 feet across, overlooking a scenic pond.
- Clips keep climbers fastened to cables running along the course. You must periodically unclip and shift them — initially unnerving, but I eventually got into a groove.
Disclaimer: If you're afraid of heights, obviously, this isn't for you. It also requires some significant upper-body strength, which I didn't appreciate until the very end.
Zoom in: The course is mostly horizontal, but starts and ends with a vertical climb. The first was manageable. The second was humbling.
- I panicked as I struggled to lift my body up a slightly inverted rockface, worried I'd be unable to finish and strand myself on the rungs.
Yes, but: I did it, and it was an immense rush of adrenaline and accomplishment.
The intrigue: The course ends with a tightrope-esque walk across a suspension bridge. After scaling rocks for almost two hours, I've never been so excited to walk again — even 105 feet in the air.
🧗♀️ I appreciated our guide's patience and thorough coaching. The friendly group accompanying me made for an experience I'll never forget.
Pro tips: Metro Parks recommends gloves, but for me, they were nonnegotiable.
- And if you do it for the 'gram, be careful. Some fellow climbers brought their phones against Metro Parks' advice, and got beautiful photos — but one dropped and nearly lost theirs to the water below.
The bottom line: A Metro Parks spokesperson tells me plenty of novices have completed the course. If I can do it, you can too.
Stop by: 2600 Dublin Road. Future climb times are posted on the 10th and 25th of each month and gear is provided. Read an FAQ.
