The first urban via ferrata in the USA has opened in Columbus Ohio. Located in Quarry Trails Metro Park, a via ferrata (‘iron path’ in Italian) uses metal rungs, ladders or permanently fixed safety wire as a means of crossing otherwise tricky and steep rocky terrain and is typically found in Europe* or mountainous regions in the United States.
The first of its kind in Columbus Ohio, the Quarry Trails is a 1,040-foot guided climb on a limestone cliff that reaches heights of over 100 feet. Climbers use metal rungs for hands and feet, carabiners and cables to make their way up, then traverse across the cliff face along a route more than three football fields long. They then cross a 90-foot-long, 105 feet high suspension bridge above a lake, before climbing up to reach a staircase at the end of the journey.
To participate, you must be at least 5 feet tall and weigh between 40 and 120 kilos. Teenagers aged 14-17 can take part, but they must be accompanied by someone at least 18 years old. All equipment, including helmets and harnesses, is provided by Metro Parks. More information and registration is available here: https://www.metroparks.net/programs-and-activities/park-activities/
Quarry Trails is an abandoned quarry that has been re-purposed as 180-acre outdoor recreation area, with hiking and biking trails, zip lines, floating observation areas, a 25-foot waterfall and lakes for kayaking and canoeing.
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