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.

Petit Jean State Park will be open on January 1, 2, and 3. You are invited to participate in First Weekend Hikes during regular business hours 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. any of these days. Before you walk one of the trails, wear your mask and drop by the visitor center breezeway (January 1, 2, and 3 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.) or Mather Lodge breezeway (January 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.) to pick up a map or talk to a park ranger. Be sure to keep in mind that Cedar Falls Trail and the Canyon Trail are both closed due to construction. To decide where to hike, ask one of our rangers at the information stations at the visitor center or Mather Lodge. #FirstDayHikes #ARStateParks