Participants can earn an Arkansas State Parks First Day Hike sticker
Arkansas State Parks provide an opportunity to commemorate the new year outdoors with First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2025.
“Visiting a state park and participating in First Day Hikes is a special way to start off a new year in a healthy direction,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and director of Arkansas State Parks. “Our state parks offer year-round recreation and are an avenue for people to experience the outdoors and foster respect and stewardship for nature.”
First Day Hikes have been a statewide event for Arkansas State Parks since 2014 and have become an annual tradition for many. Some return to the same park each year while others seek out a new park experience to try out for it. The project is part of a nationwide event for all of America’s State Parks and is coordinated by the National Association of State Park Directors.
“State parks offer an incredible variety of outdoor experiences, showcasing the unique natural and cultural features of each region,” said Lewis Ledford, President and CEO of the National Association of State Park Directors. “Whether you’re trekking through snowy trails in the Rockies or enjoying mild southern breezes, First Day Hikes are the perfect way to start the New Year outdoors and connect with the beauty of our public lands.”
This year there are more than 1,000 hikes available in state parks around the country.
As part of First Day Hikes in Arkansas, 46 ranger-led, guided hikes take place in 36 Arkansas State Park locations on Jan. 1. The hike start times, terrain difficulty and distances vary, but the aim is the same: to enjoy time outside with family and friends.
“We are thrilled that the First Day Hikes event has grown into such a special tradition for so many people,” said Kelly Farrell, chief of interpretation and program services for the Division of Arkansas State Parks. “This year, we are excited to continue with this national event taking place in 50 state park systems. We hope you enjoy starting 2025 outdoors, kicking off the new year with a healthy, invigorating activity and fun memories. Whether you go a quarter mile or a dozen, you are part of the First Day Hikes movement and part of something huge and exciting.”
A rundown of guided First Day Hikes at Arkansas State Parks can be found HERE. Self-guided hikes are also being encouraged as part of the event during “New Year Week,” Dec. 28-Jan. 5. Participants in First Day Hikes can also mark the occasion with a free “Hike Arkansas State Parks” sticker. You can receive one at the guided hike program you attend or, if going the self-guided route, by logging your hike into an entry form link HERE. More information, such as tips for planning your hike and details on how to share your First Day Hike photos, can be found via this link too.
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Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 55,006 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with ASP on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more.
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism.
