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While Michigan might not be famous for its mountains, there are still ample, high-quality climbing experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you’re experienced or just finding your footing, there’s a place in Michigan for all levels of experience. Here are five of our favorite climbs in the state.
Not far from Baraga, Silver Mountain managed to land a slot on Shape Magazine's roster of 12 places to go rock climbing before you die. It features, according to Down Wind Sports' Bill Thompson, “...some of the longest, most challenging climbs in Upper Michigan.” Throw in the fact that it's surrounded by forest and you'll not only have some amazing views from within on your hike to the climb—especially if you go in fall—but you'll have even better views on the climb up.
Another of Shape Magazine's 12 must-hit climbs before you die, the Pinnacle isn't far from cosmopolitan Marquette. Yet out here, it's all about the roughest of nature, and since it's right on Lake Superior, you'll have all the lake views you could ask for. This is another climb Bill Thompson preferred, and he had high praise for the sunrise views coming off Lake Superior. Anyone who's seen a sunrise on Lake Superior is likely already nodding in agreement. A climb on the Pinnacle will let you see this already magnificent sight all the better with the elevation.
The AAA Walls, near Teal Lake over in the Marquette area, offers up not only an impressive rock climb but also one with a dose of history. A former mining area, the AAA Walls offer up several different rock climbs for varying skill levels. For example, those just getting started might want to start with the Greg's Sonic Boom route or perhaps the Cheese and Crackers run, considered a “warm up” route. Those looking for a challenge, meanwhile, will want to tackle Unnamed Crack with its loose rock and wet conditions, or perhaps the Flying Gumbies run with an overhang that just starts the challenge. Regardless of your skill level, however, there will be something here to amuse or challenge you, and that makes the AAA Walls a stop worth making.
Not all of Michigan's great rock climbs are in the Upper Peninsula, though quite a few of them are. One of the exceptions goes to the Ledges, not far from the state's capital, Lansing. Grand Ledge represents the only natural vertical relief in the Lower Peninsula, so it's a fairly simple climb, about 30 feet up. Since it's Ionia sandstone, lead climbing won't be a possibility here, so you'll be working with either top-ropes or boulder problems. However, the Ledges work around this in a thoroughly Michigan friendly fashion by in many cases leaving ropes behind. Using someone else's rope is permitted if you ask in advance.
Not far from Negaunee, the Suicide Bowl offers more than a few different trails with colorful nicknames. Colorful as in you probably wouldn't want your children around to hear about them. However, it's not all that colorful; try the Turbo Midget, a short route regarded as “fun and deadly,” or the Berke's Kitchen, offering three different ways to reach the summit with varying levels of challenge therein.
