Editing Harz (section)

=== Summer sports ===
[[File:Oker im Okertal.jpg|thumb|The Oker with white water. A footpath is on the right bank.]]
<!-- [[File:Altenau_Steile_Wand.jpg|thumb|L&nbsp;504 "Steile Wand" between Altenau and Torfhaus]] not enough room yet for this image without disrupting the text-->
[[File:Im Harz.jpg|thumb|Former climbing areas on the ''Roßtrappe'']]

In summer, the main activity in the Harz, by far, is walking. In recent years [[Nordic walking]] has become increasingly popular.

On several [[reservoirs in the Harz]], a variety of [[water sports]] is permitted and, on a number of rivers originating in the Harz, there are opportunities for [[canoeing]] and other sports on [[white water]] sections. International canoe and [[kayak]] competitions take place on the Oker below the Oker Dam. The white water on this stretch of river is partly a result of the raised levels of discharge from the Oker Reservoir and so is largely independent of the weather.

Several hills provide a base for airborne activities, such as [[gliding]] and [[hang-gliding]], notably the [[Rammelsberg]] near Goslar.

The Harz offers a range of climbing areas like, the Oker valley, with its rock outcrops (''Klippen''); the ''Adlerklippen'' being especially popular.

The Harz has also developed in recent years into a popular [[mountain bike]] region, with 62 signed mountain bike routes and four bike parks with lift facilities in Braunlage, Hahnenklee, Schulenberg and Thale. The bike parks offer [[freeride (mountain biking)|freeride]], [[Downhill mountain biking|downhill]] and [[fourcross]] routes. Both the signed cycle paths and the bike parks are suitable for every level of cyclist.

Roads in the Harz are used by [[racing bike]]s and [[touring bike]]s, despite their sometimes heavy use by lorries, because in the whole of North Germany there is no other region with such long, and in places very steep, descents and ascents. In addition, there are a large number of railway connections on the edge of the Harz which allow bicycles to be taken on trains.

The Harz Mountain Rescue (''Bergwacht Harz'') service also operates in summer, rescuing people involved in accidents on difficult terrain.