First Day Hike
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.
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 the 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 visitor center at Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area will be closed for the holiday on January 1st but the trails remain open.
Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area offers four hiking trails that can be enjoyed for this event. More information about these trails can be found here https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/trails?f%5B0%5D=grid_trails_park%3A1731#grid-results #FirstDayHikes #ARStateParks