Arkansas State Parks is encouraging Arkansans to start the new year on the right foot with First Day Hikes on Sunday. 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.
The 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.
Arkansas State Parks Public Information Officer Monika Rued spoke with KTLO’s MJ Haworth on Talk of the Town about First Day Hikes and how accessible they are to Arkansans.
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Visitors to Arkansas State Parks can participate in the initiative by taking a self-guided hike or going on a ranger-led hike on the first day of the year or “First Weekend” (Dec. 31- Jan.2).
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Local parks hosting First Day Hike events include:
Bull Shoals-White River State Park: the community is encouraged to meet a park interpreter at the Big Bluff trailhead on Powerhouse Road at 10 Sunday morning just beneath the Bull Shoals Dam. From there the hike will last approximately two hours on the said to be moderately strenuous Big Bluff trail, and plan to complete the 1.75-mile hiking loop. Officials state the terrain is rocky and suggests wearing comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers for the weather, bring water and snacks and a pair of binoculars. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash for the duration of the hike. Following the hike hot cocoa and smores will be available at the trout dock.
Ozark Folk Center State Park: Park interpreters Keith Symanowitz and Tina Marie Wilcox will share the history of the park in celebration of the 50th anniversary as the hike takes you along the scenic Whitewater Creek Trail to visit the craft village an dOzark Highlands Theatre. The hike will begin at 1 Sunday afternoon at the City Park pavilion along Park Avenue and finish around 3 at the Cabins Office Recreation Room at the folk center. Officials state the hike is around 3 miles with some steep, wet and rocky terrain as well as some asphalt and concrete. Sturdy boots with ankle support are recommended.
Visitors can find scheduled guided hikes, tips to recreate, 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.
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