Yes, you can go rock climbing outside without leaving the Columbus city limits. No, you don’t have to pay for it. Scioto Audubon Metro Park is home to a 35-foot-tall outdoor climbing wall—and you’re just one waiver away from access 365 days a year. (Fill one out at the bulletin board; the wall is not regularly staffed otherwise.)

Once an industrial brownfield, Scioto Audubon Metro Park was created through a partnership among Columbus Metro Parks, Ohio Audubon and the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. Today, this 120-acre park includes several miles of hiking and biking trails, but the most visible feature is the 7,000-square-foot climbing wall, one of the largest outdoor climbing walls in the nation.

The Climbing Wall

The free-standing wall, which has a clear view of downtown, is highly featured and variable; routes can be climbed entirely on natural features, plus plenty of climbing wall holds exist—but watch out for spinners. Bring just your climbing shoes for bouldering, or your shoes plus harness to access top roping via four auto-belays. If your party has a rope and quickdraws, you can access about a dozen top-roping routes plus several sport routes that are climbable from the ground up (most fall in the 5.8 to 5.10 range). The wall has a mostly north-south aspect, so you can chase sun or shade as needed. It can get crowded after work or on weekends during nice weather. 

Check the park’s website and Facebook page for programming; free Learn the Ropes climbing clinics are regularly offered, and you can even camp one night per year during Scioto Fest in September. 

While You’re There

A portion of the 10-mile Scioto Greenway Trail runs through the park and connects with other parks and features near downtown. Short hiking trails take you through constructed prairies and wetlands, since Scioto Audubon was created with bird habitat in mind—be sure to check out the ospreys when they’re nesting in April by the bocce courts. The Grange Audubon Center (closed Mondays) has exhibits, guided bird hikes and other programming. Additionally, the park has beach volleyball courts, a dog park and an obstacle course. The park is open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. April through September and 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. October through March; both water and restroom facilities are available at the Audubon Center year-round.  

Getting There

From High St. just south of downtown, turn west on Whittier to the park entrance.

Where to Eat

You’re a stone’s throw from the Brewery District. Head over to Antiques on High, which hosts a different food truck each day, Tuesday to Saturday. Grab a sour beer or a cocktail and head up to the rooftop seating. Dogs are permitted on the front and back patio, but not the rooftop. 

More Info: metroparks.net

All articles are for general informational purposes.  Each individual’s needs, preferences, goals and abilities may vary.  Be sure to obtain all appropriate training, expert supervision and/or medical advice before engaging in strenuous or potentially hazardous activity.