City of
Cuyahoga Falls, River Rock
This climbing area is located in High Bridge Glens Park in the City of Cuyahoga Falls. The small area is located below the boardwalk in the Park, and is unique in the fact that you park in the city with abundant businesses and walk down the boardwalk to a great view of the Cuyahoga River and surrounding cliffs. It is hard to determine that State Route 8 is just across the river on top of the cliff. The sound of the fast water, which kayakers love, overcomes the sounds of the city. It feels like an isolated wilderness area at the base of the climbs, with the sound of the water and the cliffs rising on both sides of the river. The boardwalk also offers a view of the “Weeping Wall” which is directly across the river and is always wet.
This area is also unique in the fact that the City’s Mayor contacted the Ohio Climbers Coalition (OCC) about the possibility of rock climbing on city property. Usually, the OCC contacts the landowner, and over a lengthy process, a decision is made. The Mayor, Fire Chief and his staff, and local businesses have welcomed climbing to the area.
High Bridge Glens Park is open daily from 6am - 10:00pm.
The area officially opened for climbing on July 2nd, 2022
river rock
This climbing area is not for beginners. The cliffs are Sandstone, which has a band of Conglomerate on most of the climbs that goes about a third of the way up the cliff. The climbs range from 5.10+ to 5.??. There are 8 routes, all are sport and all have 2 bolt anchors. Stick clipping is highly recommended.
Access to this area is unique. The river goes right up to the cliffs just upstream from the climbing area, so there is no land access here. The property just downstream of the climbing area is privately owned. To date, we have not heard back from the landowner concerning using the private property to access the climbing area. The private property is heavily vegetated and very steep, so a trail would need to be added if permission is granted. The way things stand now, the best, and only legal option is to rappel down about 25’ to the base of the cliff and ascend the rope back out.
Top roping off the boardwalk or trees is not recommended. The boardwalk is a high use area. There is glass on the ground, poison ivy is abundant and the general public will have access to your anchor.
ROUTES
Click here to download River Rock climbing map with route information. Thank you Tom Thomas, our Northeast Ohio Regional Coordinator, for putting the map together.
Routes can also be viewed on Mountain Project.
CRAG STEWARDs
The OCC Crag Steward at River Rock is Stephen Cerne. Stephen's email address is fffitness@gmail.com. Please feel free to contact Stephen with any questions, comments or concerns about the area.
GETTING THERE
The address to High Bridge Glens Park is:
1817 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
Park in the obvious parking lot across from the northern end of the park. Parking is also available along the street right in front of the park.
river rocks
Walk past the Gazebo that is easily visible from the road and just north of the pedestrian High Bridge within the park. A few feet past the Gazebo, you will see a boardwalk that winds down into the Glens. Follow the boardwalk to the end. Cross over the boardwalk opposite the river (and cliff). Walk along the outside of the boardwalk, back the way you came, for about 20’. Scramble down about 8’ to a flat area underneath the boardwalk. There is a 2 bolt anchor with quick links to your right. Do a single rope rappel (static line if possible) and leave the rope in place to ascend out when you are ready to leave. You will need a second rope to lead the routes.
area attractions
The City of Cuyahoga Falls has too many restaurants to list. Only a few are mentioned here:
Hiho Brewing Company (1707 Front Street)
Clean Eatz (1791 Front Street)
To learn more about the City of Cuyahoga Falls and some of the local businesses to check out while in the area, visit www.downtowncf.com. To follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, visit @downtowncfpartnership
camping information
Public camping can be found at:
Stow Silver Springs Campground https://stowohio.org/stow-silver-springs-campground/
Streetsboro/Cleveland Southeast KOA https://koa.com/campgrounds/streetsboro/
Cherokee Park Family Campground http://cherokeeparkcampground.com/
Woodside Lake Park https://woodsidelake.com
Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/caksi-sheraton-suites-akron-cuyahoga-falls/overview/
Within walking distance of the climbing area.
