Arkansas State Parks will offer guided hikes at many locations and encourage self-guided walks and hikes throughout the first weekend of 2022, January 1 and 2, for those who would like to explore on their own. All participants are eligible to receive a free sticker.

“We are happy to bring back guided hikes this year, and we also invite our guests to take a self-guided hike to kick off the new year outdoors,” said Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst. “Our 52 state parks are located throughout the state, giving Arkansans an opportunity to find the perfect trail at a park close to home.”

“First Day Hikes are a new tradition for so many families and friends of Arkansas State Parks,” said Arkansas State Parks Deputy Director Shea Lewis. “We love being able to offer many different opportunities for our guests to honor these traditions and continue to build meaningful connections to the resources of state parks.”

Participants can receive a free sticker one of two ways:

• Take part in a guided hike and receive a sticker at the program.

• Log self-guided hikes in Arkansas State Parks by filling out a form (to be posted on ArkansasStateParks.com/FirstDayHikes on Dec. 31) and receive a free sticker in the mail for each person in your group.