JAMESTOWN, Ark. – Tucked into the forested hills of north-central Arkansas lies Jamestown Crag, a sandstone bluff system that has quietly grown from a secret climbing spot into one of the state’s premier outdoor recreation destinations. Now, thanks to a newly formed nonprofit, the future of “The Crag” looks more secure than ever.
From Secret Spot to Beloved Destination
Jamestown’s story began in the 1990s, when adventurous climbers discovered the Atoka sandstone bluffs that rise above Grassy Creek. At the time, the property belonged to Green Bay Packaging, a timber company with a large footprint in the Ozarks. Early climbers explored the cliffs largely out of sight, developing routes while technically trespassing.
The location’s rugged beauty and varied climbing potential kept it a cherished secret for years. But in 2013, Green Bay Packaging began clear-cutting the surrounding pine tract. Company officials soon recognized the liability posed by recreational use and considered shutting off access entirely. For climbers who had come to love the area, the news was devastating.
That’s when three brothers, Nathan, Aaron, and Kyle Christopher, stepped forward. Determined to preserve Jamestown Crag, they approached the timber company with a vision to manage the property not as a business but as a gift to the outdoor community.
A Turning Point
The effort found an ally in David Cawein, a Green Bay Packaging executive and fellow outdoor enthusiast. With his help, the Christophers purchased the approximately 20 acres including the bluffs in 2013. After 3 years of watching their stewardship, Green Bay Packaging agreed to sell another section of bluff line – making for a total of 50 owned acres. Additionally, GBP extended a 420-acre lease of property surrounding the Jamestown Crag, creating a buffer between The Crag and surrounding wildlife management land.
The brothers, along with longtime friend Landon Downing, poured countless hours into trail building, route development, and access management. Calling themselves “the Nomads,” they established a gate code system to balance public use with stewardship. Slowly, Jamestown Crag transformed into a managed outdoor space that welcomed climbers, campers, and hikers..
“It was never about profit,” Kyle Christopher has said in past interviews. “We just wanted to protect this place and share it with people who love the outdoors.”
Building a Climbing Haven
Today, Jamestown Crag boasts over 180 established climbing routes, from beginner-friendly faces to overhanging test pieces that attract advanced climbers. The cliffs’ gritty sandstone and unique formations make it a standout destination in Arkansas, complementing better-known spots like Horseshoe Canyon Ranch and Mount Magazine.
But climbing is only part of the appeal. Primitive camping sites, hand-built trails, and the serenity of the valley have made Jamestown a hub for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an escape. Over a thousand visitors arrive each year, many traveling from outside the state – 22 states in 2024.
This grassroots effort, labor of love, has built a community of respect for this special place. For locals, the Crag has become a space that encourages, rather teaches stewardship, a pristine, well-kept property where adventurous spirits can camp, hike, and where new climbers are mentored by veterans. For travelers, it offers a glimpse of Arkansas’ wild side, far removed from crowded gyms or busy interstate highways.
The Next Chapter: The Jamestown Crag Foundation
In effort to see this vision sustained, the Nomads realized that preserving Jamestown required more than personal dedication. In response, Downing launched the Jamestown Crag Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to ensure sustainable public access for generations to come. Something here to say that the foundation is now responsible for the operations and management of the property, from maintenance to development – with vision of educational opportunities.
The Foundation’s mission rests on five pillars:
- Conservation – Protecting the ecological and geological integrity of Jamestown Crag and the surrounding Grassy Creek area.
- Community – Building an inclusive network of climbers, adventurers, and nature lovers united by conservation.
- Sustainable Access – Balancing recreation with environmental protection.
- Education – Offering programs on safety, stewardship, and ethical outdoor practices.
- Inspiration – Encouraging deeper connections to nature and adventure.
“Empowering nature’s legacy” is more than a tagline. The Foundation envisions Jamestown as a sanctuary where recreation and conservation coexist in balance.
Challenges and Opportunities
Managing a climbing destination is not without obstacles. Routes need regular maintenance, trails must be cleared, and human impact requires constant monitoring. Funding is also a challenge, as the Foundation depends on donations, volunteer efforts, and occasional partnerships to keep operations running.
Yet the opportunities are just as significant. The Crag has the potential to anchor regional outdoor tourism, drawing visitors who also support nearby communities with lodging, dining, and gear purchases. For Arkansas’ climbing scene, it adds diversity and capacity at a time when outdoor recreation is booming statewide.
A Testament to Stewardship
Jamestown Crag’s evolution reflects broader trends in outdoor recreation: private citizens stepping up to secure access, nonprofits partnering with landowners, and climbers recognizing their role as stewards of fragile environments.
From its beginnings as an off-the-map climbing spot to its current role as a recognized destination, the Crag has always been more than cliffs and trails. It is a story about vision, resilience, and the power of community.
As the Foundation grows, so too does the hope that Jamestown will remain a sanctuary for adventure and reflection. Whether you are a climber scaling its walls, a hiker exploring its trails, or a camper enjoying the quiet of Grassy Creek Valley, the Crag offers something rare: a reminder that the best places are worth protecting.
The Big Event
Jamestown Crag will host its 12th annual King of the Crag event this fall, a grassroots climbing competition that has grown into a regional gathering for climbers, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts. More than a contest, the celebration serves as a reunion, fundraiser, and showcase of the community that has formed around the bluffs. Proceeds benefit the Jamestown Crag Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to keeping the site free, accessible, and well maintained. Along with the competition, the weekend features camping, campfires, and opportunities for participants and spectators alike to connect in one of Arkansas’ most distinctive climbing destinations.
Plan Your Visit: Jamestown Crag
Location
Jamestown Crag is in north-central Arkansas, near Batesville. Directions and access details are provided upon request through the Foundation.
Access
- The Crag uses a gate code system to manage entry. Visitors can request a code by visiting the website: JamestownCrag.com.
- Primitive camping is available on-site. Please follow Leave No Trace principles.
- Hiking, climbing, and camping are allowed in designated areas.
Climbing
- Hundred of established routes on Atoka sandstone, ranging from beginner-friendly climbs to advanced challenges.
- Routes are bolted and maintained by skilled volunteers and the Foundation.
- Bring standard sport climbing gear and always practice safe, ethical climbing.
- Mountain Project: https://www.mountainproject.com/area/106407913/jamestown-crag
Facilities
- Primitive campsites
- Hand-built trails
- Parking near the access gate
- No running water or trash service – pack it in, pack it out
How to Support
- Donate to the Jamestown Crag Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) to help fund conservation and access. bit.ly/SupportJCF
- Volunteer for trail workdays or route maintenance. Volunteer Form
- Share the Crag’s story to encourage responsible recreation. Launch Video: youtu.be/ZzIe-KTg6dY
Contact
- Email: jcragfoundation@gmail.com
- Website: www.jamestowncrag.com
- Social: Instagram @jamestowncrag, Facebook Jamestown Crag
Photos courtesy of HCH Photography.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
