MILL CREEK Metroparks
The Mill Creek MetroParks are a group of park areas and facilities along the namesake creek that flows into the Mahoning River. The Ohio Climber’s Coalition approached Mill Creek MetroParks about the possibility of bouldering at the area near Bears Den Cabin. After several months, the Mill Creek MetroParks Board voted unanimously to allow bouldering at Bears Den. The following is from Mill Creek MetroParks:
Bouldering (low climbing without ropes), along with bouldering specific safety equipment, i.e. helmets and portable bouldering pads, is permitted within the area encompassed by Bears Den Drive, Cross Drive and New Cross Drive according to park rules (as of November 12, 2019). Roped climbing and rappelling are prohibited.
The park has been very supportive of bouldering at Bears Den and advertises it on their website. Thank you Mill Creek MetroParks!
The drive to the Mill Creek area takes you through densely populated areas. After making a few turns, all that disappears into a beautiful country setting, with parking areas surrounded by tall pines. A short walk takes you to the boulders, which get plenty of shade from large trees in the area. There are dozens of quality sandstone boulders spread throughout a small area behind and to the right of Bears Den Cabin.
ROUTES
There currently is no guidebook for this area, but you can view boulder routes on Mountain Project (currently approaching 30).
crag steward
The OCC Crag Steward at Mill Creek MetroParks is Nahomi Longstreth. Nahomi's email address is nahomilongstreth@gmail.com. Please feel free to contact Nahomi with any questions, comments or concerns about the area.
GETTING THERE
The bouldering area is located in Mill Creek MetroParks near the City of Youngstown, in Boardman Township.
It can be confusing trying to locate this area. There is Bears Den Road, Bears Den Drive, Cross Drive and New Cross Drive.
Bears Den Cabin is located on the west side of Youngstown, off of McCollum Rd., Bears Den Rd., or Old Furnace Rd. There is no physical address. GPS Coordinates are +41.084195, -80.695063.
For a printable map, visit: http://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/visit/publications/visitor-guide-and-maps/.
The boulders are located inside a circle formed by Bears Den Drive, Cross Drive and New Cross Drive.
There are several parking areas that can be utilized. The largest is across the road from Bear Dens Cabin, which is where the restrooms are located. The boulders are located right behind Bears Den Cabin. There is a smaller parking area east of Bear Dens Cabin along New Cross Drive that offers almost immediate access to the boulders. There are also a few pull offs along Bear Den Drive for parking. Cross the creek to access the boulders from these pull offs.
area attractions
Mill Creek MetroParks: https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org The Mill Creek MetroParks are a group of park areas and facilities along the namesake creek that flows into the Mahoning River. Mill Creek MetroParks stretch from Boardman, Ohio north to Youngstown. Among the parks there is a golf course, a free public garden, a historic mill, an 11-mile paved bikeway and more; along with nature preserves and recreational areas.
Ascend Youngstown Indoor Climbing Gym: https://www.ascendclimbing.com. If you get rained out at Mill Creek, Ascend is about 10 minutes away. Please see their website for additional information.
There are too many restaurants close by to list. Check the internet for the flavor of the day. State Route 224 running through Boardman has a large selection of both chain and local eateries, along with gas stations etc. Traveling a bit farther north takes you into Youngstown, where you can find some unique restaurants with occasional live music.
camping information
There is no camping nearby. The closest camping is:
Mosquito Lake State Park, Cortland, Ohio West Branch State Park, Ravenna, Ohio Mill Creek Campground, Berlin, Ohio
