Arkansas State Parks, in collaboration with Frontier Climbing Company, has opened the Petit Jean Via Ferrata at Petit Jean State Park. The guided climbing attraction is currently the only via ferrata located within a state park in the United States.
A via ferrata, which means “iron way” in Italian, is a protected climbing route that allows participants to travel along cliffs while clipped into a fixed steel safety cable. Climbers navigate metal rungs, bridges and ledges that are permanently anchored into the rock, making the experience accessible to people with little or no rock-climbing experience.
The Petit Jean route was built by Adventure Partners LLC. in partnership with Wagner General Contractors Inc. It stretches approximately 0.45 miles along the north-facing cliffs below the Palisades Overlook and reaches heights of more than 100 feet above the ground.
Along the route, participants will encounter a suspension bridge, a foot bridge, a sky ladder, multiple aerial sections and ledge traverses across 10 named pitches, including Diamondback Gulch, Maximum Exposure, The High Wire, Skywalker and Westward Expansion.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas State Parks
Unlike traditional climbing routes that ascend mostly straight up, Petit Jean’s course was designed in the Italian style, traversing across the cliff face. The layout provides expansive views of Cedar Creek Valley while reducing the need for advanced technical climbing skills. Builders have rated the route as a “blue square,” similar to an intermediate ski or mountain biking trail, meaning it offers a challenge while remaining approachable for beginners.
The experience is available only through guided tours led by Frontier Climbing Company. Guides accompany groups of no more than five participants, and every climber completes a practice section before entering the main route. Participants must be at least 12 years old.
“Our goal is to double Arkansas’ outdoor economy and double what tourism returns to the state; attractions like this one are how we get there,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “When you’re the only place in the country where you can do something special in a state park, people notice — and they come see it for themselves. What we have done is create more ways to explore our first State Park while welcoming families back again and again to try something new.”
Established in 1923, Petit Jean became Arkansas’ first state park, and its scenic beauty is widely credited with inspiring the creation of the state’s park system.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas State Parks
“This is a new, unique way to experience Petit Jean State Park and the perfect way for non-climbers to get out on the rocks and enjoy the views,” said Blane McClellan, co-founder and guide for Frontier Climbing Company. “Experienced climbers will also find this adventure to be challenging and very fulfilling.”
“We here at Adventure Partners Attractions are excited to have completed installation of the only via ferrata in a state park in the country,” said Jeremy Draper, chief operating officer of Adventure Partners LLC. “This via ferrata is unique in its forested setting, with great views, and will challenge and inspire all who experience it!”
The new attraction builds on recent efforts to expand climbing opportunities at Petit Jean. It follows the development of dedicated rock climbing routes at Seven Hollows, a project completed in partnership with the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation and the Arkansas Climbers Coalition.
For more details regarding reservations, pricing or any other trip details, click here.
All photos courtesy of Arkansas State Parks
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