THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2010 A7

These ledges invite climbing, even if there are two schools of thought in Grand Ledge: Let them climb, or preserve the ledges. Regardless of the debate, the soaring rocky walls provide a dramatic backdrop to the Grand River, and leave no doubt that the town is aptly named.

rocks

Between a rock and a Grand place: The Grand River flows past tiny islands, above, and 50-foot sand and limestone ledges between Clark Park and Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. At left, rock climber Steven Hunter, of Grand Rapids, searches for a route to climb at Clark Park.

PRESS PHOTOS/REX LARSEN

Above it all: In top photo, chalk powder to prevent slipping covers the hands of a climber gripping “holds” in the 50-foot ledges at Clark Park in Grand Ledge. Above, Carl Sobel, of Walker, a climber for about six months who climbs at Higher Ground in Grand Rapids, ascends. “I love the sport and I never pass up a chance to climb the ledges,” he said.

This river