Climbing Near Leamington, Ontario

Seven 20-40 foot shale cliffs that freeze into some nice lines courtesy of backyard runoff. All north facing, exposed to the wind... you're standing on a beach on Lake Erie afterall. If you come on a day without wind it's pretty pleasant. Most of the routes can only be done on lead, the cliffs are part of the park but to set a TR you'd have to trespass through people's backyards. Don't worry about falling through the ice and drowing in the lake, you're standing on the beach. Walk 30 ft further towards the lake and then you're standing on lake ice. Use caution/common sense/don't die. Access Issues: Unknown. It's a city park and their aren't any rules specifically prohibiting climbing. But, it's Ohio and people are terrified of liability and human powered fun so who knows. That being said you're at the bottom of a lake cliff in winter, not exactly a high traffic area. MP says I should include info on camping. Technically you can camp on the lake for free, go ice fishing for fresh food, and live like a king. Alternatively their is a taco bell 5 minutes down the road. I've led one route so far. If anyone has climbed here before leave a comment so I don't falsely claim someone's FA. Google directions for Columbia Park. (It's the intersection of State Route 6 and Columbia Road). Park on the south side of Route 6 in the small parking lot next to the traffic light. Walk across the road to the tiny park. Go down the flight of stairs to the lake. Turn right.

A nice little area, if you live near by a great free place to go and get away. Its not crowed but not fully secluded, there is the occasional family walking by and group of pot-smoking teenagers. But since we have been going we haven't had any trouble with the people at the park. Some rocks are dirty and hard on your hands but others are good to go. There is the occasional spray paint tagging on some rocks and some garbage but we have been bringing bags with us to try and clean up the area after sessions. So now the area is a lot cleaner than it used to be. Take your time and walk around, discover what the park has to offer. Some problems can be done in less than 5 moves while others take a lot more. There is one wall towards the front that is about 30ft up that can be done without rope but isn't suggested by any means to beginners. Most of the easy and hard problems are in the back part of the park/trail. They say you can cross the river and there are some boulder up on the hill but I have yet to go when the river is low enough to walk across the rocks. Give this place a shot, you maybe surprised. Its close, from those of us that live on the far west-side of Cleveland, and a good spot to pick up and go. Park in Cascade park itself, its less than a 5 min walk on the trails leading away from the big playground."Baptismal Fountain" "Grey Paint" and "Bulbster Boulder, The" are across the river Elywood Park side. (see Baptismal Fountain area about the access trail)

Berea sandstone, mossy in areas. This climbing area is faces west, so moss isn't an issue.This area is not closed nor has access issues. The primary issue here is where to stash your car while you climb. The area residents didn't take kindly to having stacks of cars parked in rude manners from years past. Behave as you would around your grandma, there will be some nuances to character and conversation though be kind and courteous.  This area is located downstream from “Baptismal Fountain” and “Grey Paint”Directly across river from the new playground area on cascade park side.Fun. Obvious too. It is written in orange paint, the Club. I presume somebody has a trademark on that.LAT/LONG: 41.375225, -82.107711