LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas State Parks encourages Arkansans to start the new year on the right foot with First Day Hikes on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, welcoming the year outdoors on trails across the state.
First Day Hikes is a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that invites visitors to celebrate the new year with time spent outside, focusing on healthy habits, lifelong memories and year-round recreation. The annual event coincides with the start of America’s semiquincentennial celebration, marking 250 years of shared history, landscapes and public lands.
“Visiting an Arkansas state park is a great way to get outside, enjoy nature and welcome the new year with family and friends,” said Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “With America 250 beginning in 2026, First Day Hikes are a fitting way to start the year by celebrating our shared history and the public lands that connect us, while exploring the beautiful trails that show why Arkansas is called The Natural State.”
Visitors to Arkansas State Parks can participate by joining a ranger-led hike on Jan. 1 or by completing a self-guided hike during “First Weekend,” which runs from Dec. 27 through Jan. 4. Arkansas State Parks offers hikes of varying lengths, difficulty levels and settings, making it easy for visitors of all ages and abilities to take part.
Participants can receive a free Arkansas State Parks First Day Hikes sticker in one of two ways, by attending a guided hike on Jan. 1 and receiving the sticker at the park, or by completing a self-guided hike and logging miles at ArkansasStateParks.com/FirstDayHikes. If weather conditions make hiking on Jan. 1 difficult, participants will still have the opportunity to log miles throughout the weekend.
“First Day Hikes are a simple but powerful way to connect people to Arkansas’ state parks,” said Kelly Farrell, chief of interpretation and program services for the Division of Arkansas State Parks. “Whether it’s a short walk or a longer hike, every participant can find a personally meaningful way to celebrate healthy living, outdoor recreation and the special places our parks protect.”
First Day Hikes began in 1992 at Blue Hills Reservation State Park in Massachusetts and has since grown into a nationwide tradition across all 50 state park systems. As the country begins recognizing its 250th anniversary in 2026, Arkansas State Parks is proud to continue participating in this event and inviting visitors to experience the natural, cultural and recreational value of Arkansas’ public lands.
A list of guided First Day Hikes at Arkansas State Parks, along with tips on planning your hike, accessibility information and details on how to share photos and videos, can be found at ArkansasStateParks.com/FirstDayHikes.
Participants are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using #ARStateParks and #FirstDayHikes.
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 and Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more.
