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Over the years, my family has jumped into many of these Arkansas challenges and outdoor programs, sometimes on purpose and sometimes just because they sounded fun. What we’ve learned is that these small goals have a way of pulling us outside and away from our screens without feeling forced. Along the way, my son has learned to spot birds, appreciate a good trail, and understand why taking care of the places we love really matters.
Arkansas gives us endless opportunities to explore if we’re willing to look at it a little differently. These annual adventures and projects are a simple way to do just that. You don’t have to do them all or do them perfectly. Pick one, try something new and see where it leads.
Yearlong Programs
Iron Ranger Challenge
Hosted by Hot Springs National Park
When: January–December
Where: Any public land in Arkansas
What it is: Log 100 miles of hiking, biking, paddling, or running on public lands in one calendar year.
Why it’s great: Flexible, self-paced and encourages exploration statewide.
How to participate: Track your miles and submit it to Hot Springs National Park by early January to earn a patch and a certificate.
Resource: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/2022-iron-ranger-challenge.htm
Learn More: Iron Ranger Challenge
Arkansas State Parks Passport Program (Club 52)
Hosted by Arkansas State Parks
When: Year-round
Where: All 52 Arkansas State Parks
What it is: Visit parks, collect passport stamps and earn prizes.
Why it’s great: Encourages travel across the entire state, not just headline parks.
How to participate: Pick up a free passport at any state park visitor center.
Resource: arkansasstateparks.com/passport
Learn More: Visit All 52 Arkansas State Parks
1000 Hours Outside Challenge
Hosted by 1000 Hours Outside
When: Year-round (January–December)
Where: Anywhere outdoors in Arkansas
What it is: A self-paced challenge encouraging families to spend 1,000 hours outdoors in a year, inspired by the idea that kids once played outside that much naturally.
Why it’s great: Flexible, family-friendly and accessible at any age. It turns everyday outdoor moments into a meaningful goal without pressure or competition.
How to participate: Track outdoor hours using printable trackers or the official app. Participation is free, with optional paid resources.
Resource: 1000hoursoutside.com
Cycling Events
Arkansaw High Country Race
Hosted by Arkansaw High Country Race (with Visit Bentonville as host partner)
When: Oct. 3, 2026 (registration opens July 4 2026,)
Where: Downtown Bentonville, Arkansas
What it is: A 1,000-mile ultra-endurance cycling challenge on “punishing backroads,” roughly half gravel/half pavement.
Why it’s great: It’s one of the most intense, bucket-list backroads cycling events tied to Arkansas’s rugged terrain and small-town stretches, and it puts Arkansas’s outdoors front and center.
How to participate: Advance registration is required (opens July 4 on the official site). Race updates and route info are posted on the event website.
Resource: Arkansas High Country Race
Learn More: ‘Relentless Ride’ film documents Arkansas High Country Race
Big Dam Bridge 100
Hosted by Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas
When: Late September
Where: Central Arkansas, starting and finishing in Little Rock, with routes crossing the Big Dam Bridge over the Arkansas River
What it is: A fully supported 100-mile cycling ride with additional shorter distance options, making it one of the largest cycling events in the state.
Why it’s great: Iconic scenery, excellent organization and distance options that welcome both serious cyclists and recreational riders.
How to participate: Advance registration is required. Riders choose their distance and receive full route support, rest stops, and SAG services.
Resource: bigdambridge100.com
Learn More: Big Dam Bridge 100 Arkansas Cycling Tour
Hiking
National Trails Day Events
Hosted by Arkansas State Parks and local trail groups
When: First Saturday in June
Where: State parks, city trail systems and national forests
What it is: Guided hikes, trail maintenance days and bike rides.
Why it’s great: Celebrates Arkansas’s trail systems while improving access.
How to participate: Check park and trail organization calendars.
Resource: arkansasstateparks.com/events
Arkansas Highpoint Challenge (Mount Magazine)
Hosted by Arkansas State Parks
When: Year-round
Where: Mount Magazine State Park
What it is: Hike to the highest natural point in Arkansas (2,753 feet).
Why it’s great: Achievable goal hike with big payoff views.
How to participate: Hike Signal Hill Trail and log your visit at the lodge.
Resource: arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mount-magazine
Fishing & Paddling Programs
Free Fishing Weekend
Hosted by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
When: Second weekend in June
Where: Statewide
What it is: Fish without a license for one weekend.
Why it’s great: Low barrier entry for families and beginners.
How to participate: No license required. Some hatchery events require registration.
Resource: agfc.com/fishing
Learn More: Fishing Made Accessible with the Arkansas Tackle Loaner Program
State Fish Hatchery Fishing Derbies
Hosted by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
When: Free Fishing Weekend (second weekend in June)
Where: Mammoth Spring, Greers Ferry, Hot Springs and Centerton hatcheries
What it is: Family-friendly fishing events at stocked ponds.
Why it’s great: Kids almost always catch fish.
How to participate: Online registration required.
Resource: agfc.com/hatcheries
Arkansas Canoe Club Rendezvous
Hosted by Arkansas Canoe Club
When: Late September
Where: 2115 Tanner St, Malvern, AR (formerly ORBI Rentals)
What it is: A weekend paddling gathering for kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders of all levels, featuring skills clinics, safety talks, fun competitions, river floats, and social activities.
Why it’s great: This event blends education, recreation, and community — perfect for paddlers looking to improve skills, meet other boaters, and explore Arkansas waterways in a supportive environment.
How to participate: Pre-registration is encouraged. You don’t have to be a club member to attend, but membership is available for deeper involvement.
Resource: arkansascanoeclub.com/acc-rendezvous
Arkansas Water Trails Program
Hosted by Arkansas Water Trails
When: Year-round (best conditions vary by river and season)
Where: Designated rivers, bayous and lakes across Arkansas
What it is: A statewide program that identifies and supports paddling routes with mapped access points, trip planning resources and safety information for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.
Why it’s great: Makes paddling more accessible by helping people confidently plan trips on Arkansas waterways, from short floats to multi-day adventures.
How to participate: Choose a designated water trail, review maps and conditions, and paddle on your own schedule.
Resource: arkansaswatertrails.com
Learn More: Arkansas Water Trails
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Birding & Citizen Science
Eagle Watch Weekend
Hosted by Arkansas State Parks
When: January–February (dates vary by park)
Where: Participating state parks across Arkansas, including parks near large lakes and rivers
What it is: Ranger-led programs focused on spotting bald eagles and learning about wintering raptors, careers in conservation and eagle ecology. Programs may include guided hikes, lake tours and live raptor presentations.
Why it’s great: Winter is peak eagle season in Arkansas, and these programs make it easy for beginners and families to learn where and how to look.
How to participate: Check individual state park event calendars. Many programs are free, though some boat tours or special programs may require registration.
Resource: arkansasstateparks.com/events
Learn more: Where to See Bald Eagles in Arkansas This Winter
Great Backyard Bird Count
Hosted by Cornell Lab of Ornithology
When: February (4 days)
Where: Anywhere in Arkansas
What it is: Count birds for at least 15 minutes and submit sightings.
Why it’s great: Can be done from home or on a hike.
How to participate: Submit observations through eBird or Merlin.
Resource: birdcount.org
Learn More: Great American Backyard Bird Count
FrogWatch USA
Hosted by Association of Zoos and Aquariums
When: February–August
Where: Wetlands, ponds and waterways across Arkansas
What it is: Volunteers monitor and record frog and toad calls to track amphibian populations.
Why it’s great: Nighttime, family-friendly and accessible with minimal equipment.
How to participate: Complete online training and submit observations through FrogWatch USA.
Resource: aza.org/frogwatch
Learn More: Arkansas Frogs
iNaturalist Arkansas Observations
Hosted by iNaturalist
When: Year-round
Where: Anywhere in Arkansas
What it is: Photograph plants, animals and insects and upload observations for community identification.
Why it’s great: Extremely accessible and great for hikers, families, and casual explorers.
How to participate: Create a free account and submit observations via the app or website.
Resource: inaturalist.org
Conservation & Stewardship
Great Arkansas Cleanup
Hosted by Keep Arkansas Beautiful
When: September–October
Where: Statewide
What it is: Organized litter cleanups and beautification projects.
Why it’s great: Tangible impact with minimal commitment.
How to participate: Join or register a cleanup online.
Resource: keeparkansasbeautiful.com
Learn More: The Great Arkansas Cleanup
National Public Lands Day
Hosted by the National Environmental Education Foundation
When: Late September
Where: National parks, forests and refuges in Arkansas
What it is: Volunteer service projects on public lands.
Why it’s great: Often includes free park entry.
How to participate: Volunteer through land managers.
Resource: neefusa.org
National River Cleanup / River Stewardship Days
Hosted by the National Park Service and paddling groups
When: Summer and fall
Where: Buffalo National River and other waterways
What it is: Paddle-based cleanup and stewardship days.
Why it’s great: Combines paddling with conservation.
How to participate: Volunteer through park or partner orgs.
Resource: nps.gov/buff
Tree & Environmental Awareness Days
Arkansas Arbor Day Tree Giveaways
Hosted by the Arkansas Forestry Division
When: March
Where: Forestry offices, state parks and partner sites statewide
What it is: Free native tree seedlings for residents.
Why it’s great: Easy way to participate in conservation at home.
How to participate: Pick up seedlings while supplies last.
Resource: forestry.arkansas.gov
Earth Day State Park Programs
Hosted by Arkansas State Parks
When: April
Where: State parks statewide
What it is: Guided hikes, cleanups and nature programs.
Why it’s great: Educational and family-friendly.
How to participate: Register through individual park event pages.
Resource: arkansasstateparks.com/events
Whether you tackle one challenge or slowly work your way through a handful over the year, these nature adventures have a way of helping you see Arkansas through a new lens. Trails you’ve driven past a hundred times start to feel familiar, rivers take on new meaning, and even a quick walk outside becomes something worth noticing. One simple way to track it all is through nature journaling. Jot down where you went, what you noticed, or even make a quick sketch along the way. Over time, those small notes turn into a record of adventures and memories that make Arkansas feel even more like home.
Cover photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
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