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Details

Distance

1 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by John Clairmont

A hidden gem of natural climbing walls just outside downtown Springfield.

Just a short hike down from the parking lot lies a half mile of cliffside full of climbing opportunities! Plenty of variety for different skill levels, although someone in your group will need to lead climb to set up the route first. There are hooks already in place on each route, and you are not allowed to drill and add more. Top rope climbing is also not allowed here.

When we came, the parking lot was 3/4 full but there were plenty of routes still open. You can also hike the wide trail along the river, but it only goes about a half mile before dead-ending. The plan is to build a pedestrian bridge and triple the size of the preserve available to the public, but that is contingent on a grant request that is currently in progress.

There is a volunteering opportunity here as well! This area used to be pretty rough, with trash and broken glass all over. Now, although mostly cleaned up and pretty, there is still opportunity to make it better. Buckets are provided at the trailhead before you go down the stairs, and you can take one down with you while you hike or set up for climbing and put any trash you see in it, emptying it at the top when you return the bucket. 

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Features

Fitness
Rock Climbing
Chillin
Volunteering
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Forest
Groups
Picnic Area
River
Wildlife

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Disc Golf at Snyder Park

Explore the History of George Rogers Clark Park

Float the Mad River near Springfield

Hike the Stone's Throw Trail

Stroll along the Dam at the CJ Brown Reservoir

Visit the Tecumseh Sunflower Field