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Elevation: 1,021 ft
GPS: 39.79038, -83.85662
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 88,006 total · 459/month
Shared By: Ben Bruestle on Jul 23, 2008 · Updates
Admins: Courtney Curtner

Description Suggest change

Six designated climbing sites and one rappelling site (black) are maintained in the park. 25-35 foot limestone cliffs along the Little Miami River gorge. Only toproping allowed (no bouldering or lead climbing) at designated sites along the North Rim Trail. Huge painted eyebolts at the top of all routes denote the different sites, and signs have been installed for each area. From west (parking lot #1) to east (parking lot #3) the sites are Red, Blue, Green, Pink, Black, Orange, and Yellow. Routes range from 5.3-5.12. Each site is limited to 10 people at a time. Southern aspect. Routes get a lot of sun in the winter (due to lack of leaves) and are mostly shaded other times of the year.

NOTE ABOUT GEAR:

All of the routes at John Bryan State Park include large eye bolts that are placed about 3-10 feet from the cliff edge. In order to set it up on top rope, it is highly suggested that you use webbing or a static line and locking carabiners to create your anchors. DO NOT USE TREES OR VEGETATION FOR ANCHORS! Also, DO NOT directly feed rope through eye bolts (this is not only bad for the rope, but also creates unnecessary wear on the bolts). If you are unsure about how to safely setup your top rope, check out online resources like the AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) or find private instruction at a local climbing gym. 

Getting There Suggest change

Located near Yellow Springs and Clifton off US-68. From I-70, you can follow signs to John Bryan State Park. 

Parking

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After entering the park and passing the rangers office/ camping area on the right, you'll take the road down and then turn left before going down the hill. After turning, you'll see three main parking options that lead to the north rim trail (where all the top roping areas are located).

Parking Lot #1 (the first parking area you'll see on the right that has a playground next to it) is the closest to the Red climbing area.

Parking Lot #2 (Wingo Picnic Area Parking Lot): This is the most central parking lot and the most convenient for accessing most of the climbing areas. From this parking lot, if you turn left on the main trail, you will see the green area first, and if you turn right, you will access the blue area first.

Parking Lot #3 (the third parking lot option): This parking lot is the furthest east and is closest to the yellow area.

Camping

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John Bryan State Park has 52 non-electric, 9 electric, and 2 group pay campsites at the park. These sites are located about a mile from parking lot #1. Camping can be reserved online here: https://reserveohio.com/OhioCampWeb/#!park/357 Camping is open year round.

33 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at John Bryan State Park

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V2+ 5+
 5
Bubble
Boulder
V2-3 5+ PG13
 6
Mavericks Boulder, Ripping waves
Boulder
V3+ 6A+ PG13
 4
Mavericks Boulder, Gleaming the…
Boulder
5.2 3 8 II 8 D 2c
 13
Black Left
TR
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
 17
Black Right
TR
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 13
Pink Middle
TR
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 10
Green
TR
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 4
Red East Overhang
TR
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 13
Pink Right, Left Crack
TR
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 6
Yellow Middle
TR
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 7
Pink Right Bolt, Central Line
TR
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 4
Pink Right Bolt, Right Line
TR
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Bubble Historic Bouldering A…
 5
V2+ 5+ Boulder
Mavericks Boulder, Ripping… Historic Bouldering A…
 6
V2-3 5+ PG13 Boulder
Mavericks Boulder, Gleaming… Historic Bouldering A…
 4
V3+ 6A+ PG13 Boulder
Black Left 5. Black Area
 13
5.2 3 8 II 8 D 2c TR
Black Right 5. Black Area
 17
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c TR
Pink Middle 4. Pink Area
 13
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b TR
Green 3. Green Area
 10
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b TR
Red East Overhang 1. Red Area
 4
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c TR
Pink Right, Left Crack 4. Pink Area
 13
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c TR
Yellow Middle 7. Yellow Area
 6
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a TR
Pink Right Bolt, Central Line 4. Pink Area
 7
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a TR
Pink Right Bolt, Right Line 4. Pink Area
 4
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a TR
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