Close to both Cleveland and Akron, Whipp’s Ledges is an urban crag with up to 30 foot tall, high quality sandstone cliffs especially suited for face climbing. Whipp’s Ledges is in Hinckley Reservation, part of Cleveland Metroparks and has seen climbing since the 1970s. The northern Ohio climbing community is very lucky to have a jewel like this so close to home.
Climbing is mostly top roping (TR), with some bouldering and a few trad (gear) routes.
Whipp’s Ledges is a traditional low chalk usage area, and climbers need to practice Leave No Trace ethics. Areas under overhangs that are sheltered from rain need extra care when it comes to chalk usage. Use the minimum amount needed, and please take time to clean up before you move on to the next area. There are climbers who still want to figure the route out on their own without marks to map the way for them: please be considerate. A chalk ball inside your chalk bag with no loose chalk is highly recommended.
CLEVELAND METROPARKS ELIMINATES INDIVIDUAL ROCK CLIMBING PERMIT!
The Ohio Climbers Coalition worked with employees of Cleveland Metroparks to eliminate the climbing permit system. After October 2018, per the Cleveland Metroparks Board, individual rock climbing permits at Whipp's Ledges are no longer needed. The OCC would like to thank Dan, Ashley and Zach, staff members and climbers from Cleveland Metroparks, for their tireless efforts in supporting climbing at Cleveland Metroparks.
Please keep in mind that individuals who wish to host classes or groups of 50 or more must obtain a permit through Cleveland Metroparks permitting process. The permit information is on the Cleveland Metroparks website. New signs have also been installed, welcoming climbers to Whipp’s Ledges. It is also important to remember that Whipp's Ledges is the only area in Cleveland Metroparks open to climbing at this time.
For more information about this great area, visit the Cleveland Metroparks website at:
https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/…/…/hinckley-reservation
ROUTES
There currently is no guidebook for this area, but you can view routes on Mountain Project. The TR and trad route descriptions are mostly up to date; the bouldering route descriptions need some work.
crag steward
The OCC is happy to announce the new volunteer Crag Steward for the area effective April 11, 2021: Michael Schors: Michaelschors@gmail.com Please feel free to contact him with any questions, comments or concerns about the area.
Cleveland Metroparks actively manages the area. Feel free to send question, comments, or other feedback to or@clevelandmetroparks.com.
Getting There
Locate the intersection of State Route 303 and State Road near Hinckley, Ohio. Go south on State Road. There are two parking areas with restrooms (no running water); either parking area will get you to Whipp’s Ledges.
Upper Parking Area (Top O’ Ledges Picnic Area): Go south on State Road to Bellus Road. Take the next right (south) on Top of Ledges Drive. Follow to parking area.
Lower Parking Area (Whipp’s Ledges Picnic Area): Go south on State Road past Bellus Road. The parking lot entrance will be on the left (east) before the bridge.
It is a five minute walk from either parking area to the cliffs. The cliffs are located in between the two parking areas.
area attractions
Whipp’s Ledges is within Cleveland Metroparks Hinckley Reservation. Hinckley Lake Boathouse is less than a mile away from Whipp’s Ledges and offers snacks, drinks, clothing, and other items year-round. In the summer months, they also offer kayak, stand up paddle boards, and other boat rentals. Swimming and seasonal snacks are also available at Hinckley Lake Spillway – also less than a mile away. The park has many beautiful hiking trails including a nice loop around the lake as well as a variety of historic stone carvings at Worden’s Ledges. Ledge Pool is owned and managed by Cleveland Metroparks and is 3.5 miles from Whipp’s Ledges. It offers daily rates for swimming and is a great place to go post-climb. Outdoor recreation specialist and naturalist-led programs are regularly offered throughout Hinckley Reservation. Check the Cleveland Metroparks website for complete details including operating hours. https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/or
camping information
General public camping at Whipp’s Ledges is not available. There are a few private campgrounds in the area but nothing is close by.
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