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Climb at Jamestown Crag

Batesville, Arkansas

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Description

Added by Josh & Michele

Some seriously fun sport routes at Jamestown Crag. My favorite part about it is how primitive it is. It's hard to find primitive rock climbing spots nowadays.

Jamestown Crag is just a few minutes south of Batesville and is one of the largest, most exposed areas of Atoka sandstone in Northeast Arkansas. There are 70+ well bolted sport routes ranging in difficulty from 5.5 to 5.13. The crag offers many top rope and lead routes, the tallest of which being 90ft. Three brothers, Nathan, Aaron and Kyle Christopher, own the property under the name "Nomads." They purchased "The Crag" and about 40 acres in 2013 with the goal of preserving the area for future visitors and developing the property for outdoor recreation use.

It is free to climb and camp at Jamestown Crag, but donations are expected to help maintain the property. The suggested donation is $3.00 per visitor and $5.00 per campsite. The Nomads currently own about 500 acres surrounding Jamestown Crag and have established about eight miles of multi-use trails and camping sites. All camping is primitive. Campfires are only allowed at the designated sites above the bluff line, but people may camp anywhere on the property.

Directions:

From Hwy 167 south of Batesville take Hwy 230 (Camp Tahkoda Road) west for about 3-4 miles and turn right at the Little Red Store. Hwy 230 becomes Locust Grove Road at this point. Drive for 3-5 miles and turn left onto Jamestown Loop. The road will begin to go uphill after a short distance. Once you reach the top of the hill, pass the radio tower on your right then a water tower on your left. Continue on this road about a quarter of a mile until you pass the Wildlife Management sign on the right handed side as the road starts to go slightly down hill and turns to gravel.

At this point there is a gravel turnout on your right that is easy to miss. Look for the blue ribbon tied on the tree next to the turnout. The map marker I placed points to the turnoff. Turn in here and follow the trail on the right. The trail is about 2 miles long. The "road" is washed out and very rough. If it has rained recently, expect lots of mud. You will come upon an orange gate. If the gate is closed call Kyle at 870-613-4662 for the access code. If the gate is open, continue in. There will be two logging roads leading to the right. DON'T drive down those. The road will come to a Y shortly after, veer right and continue to the parking area. Your vehicle stays here.

3 ways to get down the bluffs:

1. Dog Walk/Walk Down: Puts you near the Game Wall. Easiest way to get down. Come down the hill till you hit the bluffs. Follow this trail for a ways, 100 yards maybe, till you see a cairn stacked to the left of the trail and the brown official looking hiking sign. Both are easy to miss. Turn towards the bluff and you should see a relatively easy way to get down. This can be pretty slippery when wet.

2. Climb Down: Puts you at the end of the Disaster Wall. When you first hit the bluffs, turn left and follow the trail. The trail will at one point cross a large, flat, short rock. This is your cue to start looking to your right for a cairn and a small trail towards the bluff. You will find a red rebar ladder recently installed to make getting up and down a breeze. After climbing down, continue back along the bluff line to see the end of the Disaster Wall. 

3. Goat Trail: Just past the Climb Down access point, you will find a trail that meanders down the bluff line in a much easier descent than the previous two. You will end up at the bottom of the bluff line below the Disaster Wall.

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Features

Fitness
Rock Climbing
Chillin
Camping
Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers

Climb at Jamestown Crag Reviews

Living in South Mississippi, I usually drive to northern Alabama to climb, but after being introduced to Jamestown Crag by a climbing friend of mine, it is worth the extra two hour drive to go to Arkansas.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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