Summer is the perfect time to explore Northeast Ohio's abundant natural resources, and if you're up for a challenge, there are a few ways to climb, jump and zip line your way through the area.
WKYC's Lindsay Buckingham, who readily admits to her fear of heights, decided to challenge herself to try two of the area's more adventurous outdoor activities.
Her first stop took her to Whipps Ledges at the Metroparks' Hinckley Reservation, the only legal place to rock climb outdoors anywhere in Northeast Ohio. There, she met up with Dan Sahli, a Recreation Specialist with Cleveland Metroparks. Dan told Lindsay that experienced climbers are welcome to come out and climb the more than 1000 routes in the reservation, and new climbers can sign up to learn basic skills.
As a new climber, Lindsay made sure to get some pointers from the Metroparks staff before venturing out on the sandstone ledges to try climbing. And despite a few nerve-wracking moments, she made it up pretty far!
Lindsay's next stop took her to Go Ape, in the Metroparks' Mill Stream Run Reservation. Go Ape promises to get your adrenaline pumping with 5 zip lines, and 42 suspended obstacles - all with breathtaking vantage points.
And although it was raining when Lindsay visited, Site Manager Chelsea Rodgers explained the course stays open in the rain, as long as it's not storming. Plan to spend 2-3 hours exploring the physically challenging and visually stunning course.
Lindsay, still working on that fear of heights, started off with a few rope ladder climbs and suspended obstacles, before facing the big Tarzan jump! Watch here to see how she did: