First Day Hike at Jacksonport State Park
What to know
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.
Jacksonport State Park will be open for First Weekend Hikes on January 1-3. The
Tunstall Riverwalk is a .62-mile unpaved trail along the White River, and it
does not loop. Hikers are encouraged to drop by the outdoor fireplace at the visitor center to warm up by the fire and chat with a ranger about the park.
Don’t forget to snap a selfie on the trail or the river overlook and tag it
with #ArkansasStateParks and #FirstDayHikes on social media!
https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/trails/tunstall-riverwalk