west branch quarry
West Branch Quarry is located in West Branch State Park between Warren and Ravenna. The park offers many activities, and as of September 13, 2023, rock climbing is one of them. The sandstone Quarry is a small area with a lot packed it. It is a great area for beginners. The easy approach involves a 250’ walk, with easy access to the top of the cliff. The rock ranges from 15’ to 25’ tall.
The area has one easy rappel and one challenging rappel, neither interfere with any of the climbing routes. There is also a practice anchor station where you can safely stand on the ground and practice threading the anchor.
The theme of the area comes from the children’s book The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. When I try to convince landowners to allow climbing on their property, I stress that climbers are generally conservation minded. This book reminds children and adults alike the consequences of misuse and greed to the environment. Please keep this in mind when you tread to our outside areas.
There are no restrooms or potable water available within walking distance of the Quarry. You can drive a short distance to restrooms at the Beach, east of the climbing area. There are also restrooms off Rock Springs Road, west of the climbing area.
Climbers at West Branch State Park have the support of the Division of Parks and Watercraft to climb at designated areas within the park, following all park rules and regulations.
ROUTES
Click here to download West Branch Quarry climbing map with route information. Thank you Tom Thomas, our Northeast Ohio Regional Coordinator, for putting the map together.
Routes can also be viewed on Mountain Project.
The routes are all top rope climbing with grades from 5.4 through 5.10. There is one 5.11+. As with any small Top Rope area, there are infinite variations to try. Bouldering is possible here also. Most climbs are face climbing with good holds.
The majority of the climbs and both rappels have anchors. The anchors consist of 2 glue-in wave bolts and are located on top of the cliff, about a foot back from the edge. Please bring your own gear to hook to the anchors. Please do not hook your rope directly into the anchors.
A Mountain Bike Trail is located close to the top of Lorax Wall. Please do not run any ropes or anchor material across this trail. There are a couple trees on the cliff side of the Mountain Bike Trail that can be used for the few routes that require natural anchors.
Hunting is allowed in this area. Please wear hunter orange if you are climbing here during hunting season. Keep in mind both hunting and mountain biking are well established here and were present long before rock climbing. Common courtesy goes a long way to maintaining good relations with other user groups.
Please visit the ODNR for local information regarding the current hunting season:
https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/west-branch-state-park
West Branch State Park Wild Life Area
Official Hunting Map of West Branch State Park
CRAG STEWARDs
The OCC volunteer Crag Steward at West Branch State Park is vacant at this time. If you would be interested in becoming Crag Steward please contact the OCC.
GETTING THERE
Print out a park map. From the intersection of Calvin and Porter, drive down Porter about a half mile where the pavement deteriorates. Drive another quarter mile up a small hill passing a pipeline to your right. The parking lot is at the top of the hill on the right, just past the pipeline. The small parking lot is easy to miss so go slow once on Porter. If you come to the end of Porter Road you’ve gone to far.
camping information
West Branch State Park Campground
5570 Esworthy Road, Ravenna, OH 44432
Camping here is very popular and they are usually booked full on weekends.
Reservations are required and may be made up to six months ahead online at
https://reserveohio.com/OhioCampWeb/Facilities/SearchViewUnitAvailabity.aspx or by calling (866) 644-6727.
200 sites. Many amenities including: Dump station. Pets are allowed. Camp Beach. Camp Boat Launch.
West Branch State Park Equestrian Camp
Located off Esworthy Road before the Park Office.
West Branch State Park Group Camping
Three group campsites are available in the campground.
