Bundle up and enjoy a New Year’s Day hike as part of the annual First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states, sponsored by the National Association of State Park Directors and America’s State Parks. Bring water, wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes, and head out to one of the many special hikes and events at parks around Arkansas!

(All events listed below will occur on Jan. 1, 2016.)

First Day Hike at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Mufreesboro: Bundle up and enjoy a winter morning hike on the Little Missouri River Trail. This 1.2-mile loop provides access from the campground to an overlook of the scenic Little Missouri River. Half of the trail has paved barrier-free access, and the unpaved section of the trail is easily walked. The Little Missouri River Trailhead is located in the park campground, across from campsite 22. Please note: All park buildings and the diamond search area will be closed on New Year’s Day. 1-2 p.m. For info: (870) 285-3113, CraterofDiamondsStatePark.com. FREE!

First Day Hike at Lake Ouachita State Park in Mountain Pine: Start 2016 on the right foot (or left foot!) with a hike along the trails of Lake Ouachita State Park. Take a self-guided walk or join a guided hike of various lengths along the Caddo Bend Trail. Contact the park for a detailed event schedule. 9 a.m.-noon. For info: (501) 767-9366, ArkansasStateParks.com. FREE!

First Day Hikes at DeGray Lake Resort State Park: Join a park interpreter to hike either the one-mile Island Trail at 10 a.m. Meet at the lodge lobby. For info: (501) 865-5810, DeGray.com. FREE!

First Day Hike at Lake Catherine State Park in Hot Springs: Choose from two hikes!

Falls Branch Trail at 10 a.m.: Take an easy stroll to the waterfall; meet at the trailhead.

Slunger Creek Nature Trail at 2 p.m.: Hikers gather at this recently-constructed, paved trail. Learn while you travel on this .6 mile family-friendly hike!

For info: (501) 844-4176, ArkansasStateParks.com/LakeCatherine. FREE!

First Day Hikes at Petit Jean State Park: The park offers four hikes for all levels!

Bear Cave Hike at 8:30 a.m. (.5 mile): Gather at the Bear Cave parking lot for a fascinating walk among giant sandstone boulders, plus hear the legend of Bear Cave!

Cedar Falls Stroll at 11:15 a.m. (.25 mile): Join Park Interpreter BT at the Cedar Falls Overlook parking area for this easy, handicap accessible, .25 mile stroll.

Rock House Cave Hike at 1:30 p.m. (.25 mile): Meet with Park Interpreter Matt at the Rock House Cave parking area to hike to the park’s archaeology site.

A Hike Through the Ages at 3 p.m. (.25 mile): Meet Park Interpreter Matt at the breezeway of Mather Lodge for a fairly easy .25 mile hike to the Cedar Falls Overlook that lasts about one hour. Along the way, the group explores highlights of the history of Petit Jean State Park, from the distant past to the present day.

For info: (501) 727-5441, PetitJeanStatePark.com. FREE!

The Pinnacle of First Day Hikes at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Visitors have the option of participating in guided hikes for all ages and experience levels. After the morning hikes, contribute to the first ever First Day Hikes mural. Choose your favorite color of paint and don’t be afraid to get your hands messy! When completed, the mural will be displayed in the Discovery Room located in the visitor center. All participants receive a “First Day Hikes” souvenir. Hot chocolate and healthy snacks will be available to all participants in the Pinnacle Pavilion from 11 a.m.-noon. Hike schedule includes:

To the Top! from 9-11 a.m. (1.5 miles): Meet at the West Summit Trailhead for a fun hike to enjoy the breathtaking views from the peak.

Around the Base from 9-11 a.m. (3 miles): Join a park interpreter for a refreshing hike around the mountain on the Base Trail; meet at the West Summit Trailhead.

Rocky Valley Trail from 9–11 a.m. (3 miles): Join a park interpreter for hike along one of the park’s best kept secrets, the Rocky Valley Trail. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Kingfisher Trailhead from 2-2:30 p.m. (.5 mile): Meet Park Interpreter Richard for a jaunt on the paved trail by the Little Maumelle River to learn about some of the unique plants and animals that can be found along our Arkansas river ways.

Arkansas Arboretum at 2 p.m. (1 mile): Stroll through the enchanting Arkansas Arboretum. The paved trail winds through the six geographic regions of Arkansas, represented by common trees found in those areas. Winter Scavenger Hunt sheets will be available, too! Meet at the Arkansas Arboretum Trailhead.

For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain. FREE!

For more events, visit our full online calendar here.