Overview
Whipp’s Ledges is a premier climbing destination in which guests can rope up and climb, boulder a variety of features, enjoy a hike, or take a
climbing class with Cleveland Metroparks. Specialized climbing gear and equipment are needed to safely climb at Whipp’s Ledges, and it is recommended that guests get proper training before climbing outside at Whipp’s Ledges.
The rocks found at the Whipp’s Ledges in Hinckley Reservation are Sharon Conglomerate, a quartz sandstone. Cliffs range in height from 20 feet to nearly 50 feet high. Over 100 climbs offer something for everyone, and with ratings from 5.3 (easiest) to 5.12 (hardest), you are sure to find the perfect climb for you. When visiting, please follow Leave No Trace ethics - pack out everything you bring in. Help keep the area free of litter and leave it as good as or better than you found it.
Whipp’s Ledges Climbing Map
Check out Mountain Project at
www.mountainproject.com for route information, locations, and descriptions.
Hiker & Climber Etiquette
We ask that guests be respectful of all park users. Stay aware of cliff edges and take precautions to limit any falling rock created by climbing or hiking above the cliff edge. Stay on existing trails to minimize erosion. Throwing anything off the cliff is prohibited and may result in criminal charges including, but not limited to, disorderly conduct. If climbing, please wait 24-48 hours after a rain to climb. The rock is primarily sandstone which can become brittle and break if pulled on when wet. Please be considerate of fellow climbers by keeping your chalk use to a minimum. We ask that you follow Leave No Trace Principles and clean up and brush your chalk marks, paying special attention to areas under overhangs that are sheltered from rain, before moving to your next climb. If using chalk, a chalk ball inside your chalk bag or liquid chalk is much preferred to loose chalk when climbing at Whipp’s Ledges.
Climbers Be Aware
Fixed gear has been placed to provide alternative anchors at the top of several popular routes. Cleveland Metroparks makes no representations or warranties regarding the safety, reliability, or suitability for use of any climbing route or fixed climbing anchors or other hardware currently existing or installed in the future at Cleveland Metroparks. It is the responsibility of the guest to inspect bolts/gear before use. Loose rock and hazards can exist on any route. Climbers unfamiliar with the use of fixed anchors should seek professional instruction or use alternative anchor points in which they feel competent and experienced enough to use.
Anchors
Whipp’s Ledges is primarily a top rope environment, so in addition to your personal climbing equipment, a long static rope for building natural anchors, a few runners or quick draws for the fixed anchors, and a few carabiners should help get you started climbing at Whipp’s Ledges.
When anchoring to trees, please be cautious walking around root systems of trees, pad the trees from your anchor material, and limit ropes and webbing running across the cliff edge. This helps limit erosion in addition to protecting the trees and your equipment. Please promptly remove your static line/safety tether after setting up your climb when you are utilizing the fixed gear. We ask that guests don’t leave ropes or other anchor material slung around trees if not immediately being used. Commercial tree padding is available, but many people use carpet padding or squares, foam pads, or other acceptable material.
As is true for many climbing areas, do not top rope directly through the fixed gear like bolts and chains: climb on your own equipment, like quick draws or slings and carabiners. Please limit unnecessary wear on the bolts and chains by climbing on your own hardware and then having the last climber lower or rappel off the fixed hardware. Pulling your climbing rope to the ground and then walking back up to retrieve your hardware equipment is also a good option, especially if you don’t have experience with other techniques. Please don’t thread your rope directly through the bolts or chains and then climb. This wears through the fixed hardware quickly and is poor etiquette.
Slacklining
Slacklining is allowed in Cleveland Metroparks without a permit. Guests who choose to slackline are asked to pad the trees using commercial tree padding or a suitable substitute such as carpet squares, foam pads, foam insulation, towels, etc.
Permits
Only organizations and persons authorized by Cleveland Metroparks may install fixed gear.
Individual permits are not required; however, guides and all third parties that want to lead groups or provide instruction must apply for a
Non-Cleveland Metroparks Program Permit.
Rock Climbing Educational Programs
Outdoor Recreation offers a series of climbing programs ranging from introductory try-it sessions to more advanced skills sessions including anchor building classes.
For more information, to take a climbing class, or to report an issue, contact Outdoor Recreation at
or@clevelandmetroparks.com or 216-341-1704.