Jamestown Crag scales state honors with prestigious Henry Award

A once-overlooked climbing spot tucked into the Ozark foothills has climbed to the top of Arkansas’ tourism world.

Jamestown Crag earned a Henry Award for Natural State Development at the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation on Tuesday. The awards, presented by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, recognize standout achievements in the state’s outdoor industry.

The crag’s signature competition, “King of the Crag,” also took top honors in a category reserved for organizations that stand out from the rest. In doing so, the grassroots destination outpaced high-profile attractions, including the Bentonville Bike Fest and Argenta Plaza in North Little Rock.

Located just south of Batesville, Jamestown Crag features more than 140 sport climbing routes set into 90-foot cliffs of Atoka sandstone. What was once a little-known bluff has evolved into a draw for climbers across the region.

The transformation began as a volunteer effort led by local climbers — brothers Nathan, Aaron, and Kyle Christopher — who envisioned public access to the rugged stretch of stone. Working with Green Bay Packaging, the group, known as the Nomads, secured access to the property, established climbing routes, and built a trail system.

Today, the site is managed by the Jamestown Crag Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to conservation and land stewardship, helping ensure the cliffs remain open and protected for future climbers.

The Henry Awards represent one of the highest honors in Arkansas’ tourism sector, spotlighting projects that strengthen the state’s reputation as a premier destination for outdoor recreation.