The First Day Hike tradition

You can receive a free “Hike Arkansas State Parks” sticker one of two ways:

• Go on a guided hike at a state park on January 1 and receive a sticker at the program.
• Self-guided hikers can log their New Year Weekend (Dec. 30-Jan. 1) hikes in Arkansas State Parks by filling out a form and we will send a free sticker to each person in your group by mail. An entry form link will be available here starting Dec. 30.

• Recreate Responsibly

  Please plan to recreate responsibly and remember:

  • 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.
  • Dress for the weather. Wear and bring warm layers and sturdy shoes. In winter the breeze can make it seem even colder: Plan to bring extra gloves, hats, and layers even if you think don’t need them.
  • Bring water and snacks.
  • Avoid hiking if you are experiencing cold, flu, or COVID symptoms.
  • Stay on designated trails. Shortcuts cause damage and are unsafe.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles.

  Share Your First Day Hikes

  We also want to share your First Day Hike experiences. You can upload your photos and/or videos here with our uploader tool. Use #ARStateParks and #FirstDayHikes when sharing on social media too!

  Hikers are encouraged to log their completed hikes and miles that take place in Arkansas State Parks on those days here. (You will see a form posted on Jan. 1st.) 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!

  Note: One person can fill out the form for the whole group and select the number of people in your group and list the people (first name is fine) in your group in the “Tell Us About Your Experience” box so they are included in your First Day Hike experience.