Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 013 - Department of Parks and Tourism
Division 05 - Parks Division
Rule 013.05.14-002 - Rappelling and Rock Climbing Rules and Regulations

A. Superintendents of state parks that have sites considered desirable for rappelling and/or rock climbing may submit requests to the Director of Arkansas State Parks for approval.

B. Requests shall set forth complete details of the site, indicating the site location, detailed description, resource impacts on parks' natural and cultural resources, recreation use, facilities, and long term development or master plan, safety hazards, weather and time-of-day influences, proposed rules and signing for the site, and degree of supervision considered necessary for use by the public.

C. Approved sites will have signage indicating the location is approved for rappelling and rock climbing. Signage shall include any restriction which may apply, such as time-of-day, plus instructions for rappelling and climbers to check in at the park visitor center prior to rappelling and/or climbing.

A. Once each year, rappelling and/or rock climbers must complete a rappelling / climbing checklist and sign a liability release form (see attachments).

B. A parent or legal guardian must complete the check list and liability release form for all minors; those age seventeen (17) and under.

C. Rappellers and/or rock climbers must notify staff at the park visitor center each day they participate.

D. Types of climbing considered free soloing* or highball bouldering** are prohibited.

*Free soloing - climbing without safety equipment at various heights.

** Highball bouldering - climbing without safety equipment at limited heights (15 feet) with assistance of spotter and foam crash pad for landing.

E. All rappelling and climbers should be accompanied by a spotter or another participant.

F. Designated rappelling and climbing sites are considered vertical trails. Rappellers and climbers are expected to stay on trail routes and refrain from making rogue trails.

G. Rappellers / climbers shall use equipment and safety gear appropriate to the activity. The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism (ADPT) is not liable or responsible for any portable or temporary equipment left by Rappellers or climbers.

H. Rappellers / climbers are prohibited from attaching or placing any permanent equipment, hold, fasteners, or anchor points. Any existing permanent equipment is not maintained or supported by Arkansas State Parks or ADPT. Rappellers and/or climbers assume all liability and risk for use.

I. Rappelling and climbing participants shall conduct themselves in a courteous and orderly manner and abide by local, state, and federal laws, as well as obey all park rules and regulations.

J. In any and all cases, state park officials have complete and final authority over all sites and retain the authority to revoke any privileges issued for rappelling / climbing activities.

Reviewed by the Arkansas Legislative Administrative Rules and Regulations Sub-Committee on June 11, 2014.

Attachments:

-Checklist

-Liability Release

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