After years of coordination and collaboration, BETA Fund and Missouri State Parks have teamed up to install 17 pairs of top anchors at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park in Middle Brook, Missouri. This project is part of a cooperative memorandum of understanding with the state to improve rock climbing access in Missouri.

The climbing area at Johnson’s Shut-Ins features more than 60 traditional routes, many considered Missouri classics. Climbing is permitted only on the two cliffs on the west side of the east fork of the Black River, and only from the day after Labor Day through the Friday before Memorial Day. A free daily permit is required and must be in possession while climbing. 

A maximum of 25 permits will be issued per day, with a maximum of 175 permits a week issued for both areas. You can learn more and apply for a permit at mostateparks.com/johnsons-shut-ins-state-park-rappelling-and-rock-climbing-permit.