First Day Guided Hike

Start off the new year by experiencing the backstage tour of the Ozark Folk Center State Park.

This 1.5-mile guided hike will begin at 10 a.m. at the parking lot below The Skillet Restaurant and end at noon at the visitor center for hot cocoa and cider.

NOTE: Some steep and rocky terrain, some asphalt and concrete. Bring water and dress appropriately. Bathrooms are available at various places along the hike.

On this guided hike, Arkansas State Park Interpreters will share the history of the park and the region, as you go through some of the natural areas of the park, and the green house, Craft Village, and Ozark Highlands Theater at the Ozark Folk Center.

The hike begins at the Whitewater Creek Trailhead on the west side of The Skillet parking lot. Follow your guide to the creek and then back through the Cabins at Dry Creek to the Heritage Herb Garden Greenhouse where you will learn about the collection and propagation of the plants, and how they connect to the people of the Ozarks. From there you will hike through the park’s large parking lot and overlook to Loco Ropes’ treetop adventure. Though it is closed for the winter, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the zipline and tower.

Afterwards, climb the 127 steps to the Craft Village entrance where you’ll get a guided tour of The Village where working artisans demonstrate, make, and sell their handcrafted works. There will be some artisans working that day, but in the interest of staying on schedule, we ask that you visit with them after the hike ends.

While in The Village, you’ll go backstage at the park’s 1,000-seat music venue, the Ozark Highlands Theater, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn to jig dance to old-time mountain music like thousands of visitors have done since 1973. On-lookers welcome. You’ll also hear a bit of the Ozark Highlands Radio program that is produced year-round at the park.

From there, the hike will lead through the upper level of the Craft Village, and finish with the visitor center, where you can enjoy hot cocoa and cider. Those who wish to stay will have a chance to learn to make a simple paper craft that you can take home.

Plan to attend? Share your First Day Hiking experiences on social media using the hashtags #ArStateParks #OzarkFolkCenter and #FirstDayHikes.

COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES ARE IN EFFECT FOR GUEST AND STAFF SAFETY. SPACE MAY BE LIMITED.