The first urban via ferrata in the USA has opened in Columbus

Quarry Trails

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. 

Similar paths are found in Europe and the mountainous regions in the United States. 

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 cross the cliff face and across 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. 

All equipment, including helmets and harnesses, is provided by Metro Parks. Quarry Trails is an abandoned quarry that is now a 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. 

Columbus also offers visitors the Scioto Mile, a string of parks on both sides of the Scioto River. 

Downtown, the Columbus Museum of Art includes American and European paintings and a sculpture garden. 

The German Village area has restored brick houses built by 1800s settlers. 

The city can form part of a great road trip when linked with Cleveland, home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Cincinnati with its brewing culture and German heritage. 

 www.metroparks.net/programs-and-activities/park-activities, www.experiencecolumbus.com and www.visittheusa.co.uk/state/ohio 

 Fiona Pettitt at fiona@cellet.co.uk