Arkansas state Parks announces First Day Hike Events

Arkansas State Parks encourages Arkansans to start the new year on the right foot with First Day Hikes on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Led by America’s State Parks, First Day Hikes encourage everyone to celebrate the new year with time spent outdoors, focusing on healthy habits and lifelong memories. 

Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Stacy Hurst said, “Visiting a state park is a great way to get outside, enjoy nature and welcome the new year with family and friends.” This nationwide annual tradition targets the first of January and the start of a new year to promote year-round recreation and healthy lifestyles that can be experienced locally in state parks. 

Parks that are hosting hiking events in the local area are:

Millwood State Park located at 1564 Hwy 32 E in Ashdown. Their first day hiking event will be from 8:30am to 10am. Participants will meet with one of their park’s staff at the trailhead parking lot just off the entrance road. This hike will be taken at the Waterfowl Way trail. They are asking hikers to wear comfortable and warm hiking shoes, dress in layers for the weather, and bring water snacks you may need along the way and binoculars. Anyone that is interested in participating at this location can call 870-898-2800.

Hikers can also visit Crater of Diamond State Park located at 209 State Park Rd in Murfreesboro from 9am to 10am. Hikers will meet in the main parking area. Participants will join their park ranger at the trailhead for the Little Missouri Trail located in the campground. They are asking hikers to dress for the outdoors, wear sturdy shoes, and be prepared to walk 1.5 miles over a paved trail. This hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. For more information participants can call 870-285-3113.

Visitors can find scheduled guided hikes, tips to recreate responsibly, what to bring and how to share your First Day Hike photos and/or videos at ArkansasStateParks.com/FirstDayHikes. 
Participants can also use #ARStateParks and #FirstDayHikes to share on social media. Please note, a few park locations are closed on the Jan. 1 holiday but will reopen on Jan. 2.