Discover Events
Petit Jean State Parks
Arkansas State Parks Calendar of Events
First Day Hike on Owl Pass/Arboretum
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter as we step into the new year by exploring our public lands with a hike! This paved, ADA-accessible trail is appropriate for all ages, and offers stunning views of the Little…
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Towering Pines Trail Hike
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for this brief 1/2-mile guided hike on the Towering Pines Trail. Let's see what we can discover as we enjoy views of the lake, look for animal tracks, listen for birds, and…
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First Day Hikes - Family Discovery Trek
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Kick off the year with curiosity and adventure! This family-friendly hike invites explorers of all ages to discover the natural wonders of Petit Jean State Park—trees, tracks, and tales hidden along…
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First Day Hike
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
As part of the nation wide effort to promote parks and hiking, we will have a short hike along Raymond Lake. This an easy, 3/8-mile trail. Enjoy views of the water as well as great birding…
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Hike to the Waterfall
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Meet Park Interpreter Ron for a hike to the waterfall on the Ozark Highlands Trail. This trek is designed for all ages. Just bring your appreciation of waterfalls and your ability to walk…
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First Day Hike: Towering Pines Trail
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for this brief 1/2-mile guided hike on the Towering Pines Trail. Let's see what we can discover as we enjoy views of the lake, look for animal tracks, listen for birds, and…
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First Day Hike 2026: Lover's Leap
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Kick off the new year alongside hikers in all 50 states with a First Day Hike at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Join a park interpreter for a relaxed 1.5-mile stroll along the Lover’s Leap Trail.…
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First Day Hike on Owl Pass/Arboretum
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter as we step into the new year by exploring our public lands with a hike! This paved, ADA-accessible trail is appropriate for all ages, and offers stunning views of the Little…
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First Day Hike
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Take a walk back into the past to reflect on the future. Join a park interpreter to celebrate the first day of 2026 with a guided tour of the historic townsite. The town of Davidsonville only served…
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First Day Hike: "Blue to the Rescue" Storybook Hike
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
What kind of stories will you create in 2026? Join a park interpreter for a reading of "Blue to the Rescue," a children's hiking story written by Wynne, Arkansas-native Amy Poindexter. During…
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First Day Hikes: Winter Wildlife Hike
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Deer, rabbits, squirrels and various winter birds are just a few of the animals that live in Lake Dardanelle State Park. Join a park interpreter at the Meadowbrook trailhead near the amphitheater for…
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Louisiana Purchase State Park First Day Hike
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Start 2026 off by journeying to 1815 with a park interpreter on an easy 0.5-mile First Day Hike. We will meet at the parking lot and then go out into a headwater swamp on a barrier free elevated…
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Sunset First Day Hike
Thursday, January 01, 2026
/ 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
End the day with a peaceful sunset hike along Storm Creek Lake. Learn about the landscape’s cultural and natural history. Dress for the weather and bring water and a flashlight. #FirstDayHikes
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Winter Wildlife Watch
Friday, January 02, 2026
/ 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Join a park interpreter for a gentle 1-mile hike along the Lake Trail as we explore the winter habits of local wildlife. Learn to spot animal tracks, identify birds, and discover how creatures…
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Edge Habitats along the Monument Trail
Friday, January 02, 2026
/ 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Do you know what an edge habitat is? Find out we wander along part of the southern terminus of the Devil’s Racetrack Monument Trail!
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Bluffside Beauty: Exploring the Bluffs of Devil’s Racetrack
Friday, January 02, 2026
/ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Join a park interpreter for a 1.5 mile hike along the bluff line of Devil’s Racetrack. This moderate hike offers a unique opportunity to explore the park’s geologic features. Please wear sturdy shoes…
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Cleaning up the Falls
Saturday, January 03, 2026
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join a park interpreter on a guided hike on the Falls Branch Trail. This 1-mile shortcut to the falls is the perfect route for working together and practicing good stewardship of the park by picking…
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Birding Basics
Saturday, January 03, 2026
/ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Bird watching is a hobby for all ages. To get started you only need the 3 B’s: Binoculars, a Bird book, and Birds. Lake Dardanelle State Park has plenty of birds, so come out and meet a park…
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Rocky Valley Trail Hike
Saturday, January 03, 2026
/ 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join a park interpreter and step into the new year with nature with a hike on the Rocky Valley Trail. Please be sure to wear appropriate clothing and bring water. This is a moderately difficult…
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Wildside Hike on the Monument Trail
Saturday, January 03, 2026
/ 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Explore the natural wonders of the southern end of the Devil’s Racetrack Monument Trail on a 1-mile journey through forest and stone. This is a moderate hike. Don’t forget your sturdy footwear and…
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