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.

 

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. 

Start 2021 with a hike to the highest point in Arkansas. The Signal HIll Trail contains an easy 1.5-mile self-guided loop (be sure to pick up a special brochure) with an elevation gain of 153 feet to the highpoint.  

Mount Magazine State Park will be open January 1, 2, and 3. However, the visitor center is closed until further notice. The Lodge at Mount Magazine is open on those dates. All Mount Magazine State Park trails are open from sunrise until sunset.

The Signal Hill Trail has two trailheads: one on the south side (above Cabin #5 east of the lodge about 100 yards; the other on the north side near the entrance to the campground.  

Trail maps and other brochures are available at the lodge. #FirstDayHikes #ARStateParks