First Day Hikes

We are pleased that so many people have made First Day Hikes an annual tradition! It is exciting for Arkansas to be such a strong participant in this nationwide event occurring in all 50 state park systems. First Day Hikes are focused on healthy habits and lifelong memories.

This year for First Day Hikes we will not offer guided hikes at any Arkansas State Park locations. However, we know the outdoors and healthy habits are more important than ever during this time, so we are encouraging self-guided walks and hikes on the "First Weekend," January 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

(Note: A few park locations are closed on the Jan. 1 holiday but will be open for Jan. 2-3. Visit the online calendar for specific parks to find out more about each park’s detailed plans.)

Hikers are encouraged to log their completed hikes and miles (that take place in State Parks on those days) at https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/first-day-hikes. We are excited to discover how many hikers cover how many miles in our State Parks that weekend! And, we will send a free Arkansas State Park hiking sticker to each person in your group!

Please note, a number of State Parks have experienced high volumes of hikers on weekends since the onset of COVID-19. Please plan to recreate responsibly using the following reminders:

· When the parking lot is full, the park is full. We encourage you to consider planning your hikes on less-visited trails or off-peak times of day. Consider having a Plan B in place.

· Practice physical distancing. Keep 6’ distance from hikers who don’t live in your immediate household.

· Have masks with you and be prepared to wear them if you need to enter a park facility.

· Stay on designated trails. Shortcuts cause damage and are unsafe.

· Practice Leave No Trace principles.

The Withrow Springs State Park Visitor Center will be closed on Jan. 1st, but will be open the 2nd and 3rd from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The park is still open for hiking, day use and camping when the office is closed for holidays. We recommend grabbing a map from the Visitor Center before going out for a hike. There will be maps available outside the Visitor Center all days. Park Rangers will be around every day so feel free to wave them down if you have questions or need assistance. 

There are three trails to hike at Withrow Springs State Park. 

The War Eagle Trail has seen some changes due to flooding damage so it now starts at the top of the park by the pavilion. You can walk out to the Overlook and down to the rocks that overhang the creek, but then you will have to come back up the way you came. We have a new 1.5 mile loop trail that you will see as you go to the overlook. It is an easy hike through the woods that offers a few more views of the area. 

The Dogwood Trail can be started at the same parking location as the War Eagle Trail by the pavilion. It is a 3/4-mile loop that is a little steep in a few areas, but is a generally easy hike. 

The Forest Trail starts across from the campground and is 2.5-miles out and back. It is an old logging road, so once you get up the first hill it is a relatively flat and easy walk. #FirstDayHikes #ARStateParks