Twin Lakes and Bull Shoals White River area residents can kick off the new year with a healthy start by joining Arkansas State Parks’ First Day Hikes on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The statewide event encourages people to get outside, explore local trails, and enjoy the natural beauty of Arkansas.
First Day Hikes, a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks, invites visitors to celebrate the new year outdoors while creating lifelong memories and promoting year-round recreation. This year’s hikes also coincide with America 250, the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration marking 250 years of shared history, landscapes, and public lands.
In the Twin Lakes area, hikers can enjoy scenic trails along Bull Shoals White River. A featured guided hike will take place at the Oakridge Mountain Biking Trail Parking Lot from 10 to 11 in the morning, where a park interpreter will lead participants along the 1.5-mile Rainbow Ridge Trail. The trail is moderately strenuous, making it a great way to set or fulfill New Year’s resolutions while enjoying the outdoors. Participants should dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Admission is free.
Visitors can also complete a self-guided hike during “First Weekend,” running from Dec. 27 through Jan. 4. Trails of varying lengths and difficulty make it easy for all ages to participate. Hikers can earn a free Arkansas State Parks First Day Hikes sticker by joining the guided hike or logging miles from a self-guided hike at ArkansasStateParks.com/FirstDayHikes. Miles can be logged throughout the weekend if weather makes hiking on Jan. 1 difficult.
For a full list of guided hikes in the Twin Lakes area, trail maps, and tips on sharing your experience, visit ArkansasStateParks.com/FirstDayHikes. Participants are encouraged to post photos and videos on social media using #ARStateParks and #FirstDayHikes.
Arkansas State Parks manages more than 55,000 acres of forest, wetlands, and historic sites across the state, preserving these special places for future generations while promoting outdoor recreation and tourism.
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