First Day Hikes

We are pleased that so many people have made First Day Hikes an annual tradition! It is exciting for Arkansas to be such a strong participant in this nationwide event occurring in all 50 state park systems. First Day Hikes are focused on healthy habits and lifelong memories.

This year for First Day Hikes we will not offer guided hikes at any Arkansas State Park locations. However, we know the outdoors and healthy habits are more important than ever during this time, so we are encouraging self-guided walks and hikes on the "First Weekend," January 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.

(Note: A few park locations are closed on the Jan. 1 holiday but will be open for Jan. 2-3. Visit the online calendar for specific parks to find out more about each park’s detailed plans.)

Hikers are encouraged to log their completed hikes and miles (that take place in State Parks on those days) at https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/first-day-hikes. 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!

Please note, a number of State Parks have experienced high volumes of hikers on weekends since the onset of COVID-19. Please plan to recreate responsibly using the following reminders:

• 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 day. Consider having a Plan B in place.
• Practice physical distancing. Keep 6’ distance from hikers who don’t live in your immediate household.
• Have masks with you and be prepared to wear them if you need to enter a park facility.·
• Stay on designated trails. Shortcuts cause damage and are unsafe.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles.

At Pinnacle Mountain State Park, all trails will be open for First Weekend hikes on January 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Trails will be open from their regular hours, 6:30 a.m. to sunset.

We have a variety of trail options, including the beautiful West Summit Trail. We recommend allowing 2 hours to reach the top and come back down this trail, as well as proper hiking footwear and plenty of water. We have medium-difficulty trail options with the Base Trail and the Rocky Valley Trail. The Base Trail is located at the West Summit Trailhead and is 3 miles long. The Rocky Valley Trail, which shares its parking with the visitor venter, is 2 miles by itself, but also includes a steep 1-mile offshoot on to the East Quarry Trail to the gorgeous East Quarry Overlook. We also offer much gentler, easy-difficulty trails in the Kingfisher Trail and Arkansas Arboretum Trail. These are short, all paved, accessible, roughly 1/2-mile hikes that offer breathtaking views of the Little Maumelle and surrounding plant diversity, including huge, ancient cypress trees!

Pinnacle Mountain State Park looks forward to your visit for First Weekend Hikes. You are encouraged to submit selfies commemorating your First Weekend Hikes at the trailhead signs of whichever trail you choose to hike, and, once again, do not forget to log your completed hike and miles at https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/first-day-hikes to receive your free Arkansas State Parks hiking stickers! #FirstDayHikes