climbing
BANKS AND BLUFFS
Climbing reintroduced at Pere Marquette State Park.
By Corrie Hendrix Gambill
T
he Great River Road from Alton to Grafton, Illinois, is a 20-mile stretch of shore-lined highway enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. To one side of the National Scenic Byway is the Mississippi River. Boats float by and migrating birds glide overhead as the waterway churns and welcomes its Missouri and Illinois tributaries. Paralleling the highway on the opposing side is the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail, which weaves in and out of the wooded canopy below glimpses of river-carved bluffs. Banks and bluffs are the essence of the Great River Road experience. Thanks to the Mississippi's landscape- forging power and efforts of the Illinois Climbers Association (ICA), Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Friends of Pere Marquette State Park Foundation, and many volunteers, the height from which these natural features can be enjoyed has grown a little taller. Pere Marquette in Grafton is the largest state park in the Land of Lincoln. Known for its rustic lodge and bluff views, the park's 8,000 acres attract birdwatchers, boaters, campers, equestrians, fishermen, hikers, hunters, and rock climbers. With evidence of at least three routes circa the 1950s, rock climbing here was both age-old and all-but bygone. However, in 2016 the park announced dozens of new routes with significantly improved accessibility. This resurgence gave climbing enthusiasts an outdoor venue within a quick jaunt from nearby St. Louis.
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terrain July/August 2019
PERE GROUP
What climbers are saying about Pere Marquette. Rebekah Watson Rock climber "I like Pere Marquette possibly because it's the first place I climbed outside. It's a great spot to take new or timid climbers and younger kids due to the short walls, easy hike in/ out, and so many easier grades." Val Houseman Rock climber "I enjoy Pere Marquette. It's especially good if, one, you have first-time outdoor climbers or outdoor leaders and want to cycle through short routes and stay in communication; two, you have one rope amongst four friends; three, drives up the Great River Road are your happy place; or, four, you like to end a climb with seafood on the river." Bill Weishaar Rock climber, route setter, Robinson Bluffowner "I wanted to name a route after my daughters, Lily and Meadow, who passed away. So, the Lily Wall and Meadow Slab were named after them, which is really nice. We also named a route after my son: Cody's First Lead is the easiest route there, a 5.2. I'm hoping when he comes of age, it'll be his first lead. I'm sure I'll follow him up."
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