First Day Hike

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 Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas will be closed January 1 – 3, 2021 but we invite you to participate in First Weekend Hikes by hiking the Whitewater Creek Trail. The .9-mile trail connects the Ozark Folk Center to the Mountain View City Park and offers several opportunities to enjoy wildlife and the forest before ending at the scenic Stone County Amphitheater. Parts of the trail are rocky and steep, so watch your footing!

To access the trail, follow the path (marked by a sign) at the far end of the Skillet Restaurant’s lower parking lot. Then, follow signs to the City Park and Whitewater Creek Trail. For details about access points and parking at the Ozark Folk Center State Park view the Grounds Map (PDF).

Hiking the entire length of the trail will take about 45 minutes.