My fellow adventurers, we’ve survived another year. It’s been interesting to say the least. We seem to be arguing with each other a lot these days, but one thing I think we can all agree on is how critical it is to get out there. The Arkansas Adventuregram crew will spend part of the holidays on a yet to be determined gravel bar. How about you? Do you plan to seek Arkansas adventure during this special time of year? I sure hope so! There’s no better way to enjoy time with your family and friends.
Leaf-off season is in full swing which means all sorts of treasures only visible from the trail a few months each year are waiting to be discovered or rediscovered. Bald Eagles and other majestic birds of prey are out in numbers, effortlessly performing aeronautical feats only they can manage. Best of all, you just might be the only ones out there to experience all this.
In addition to the innumerable options for self-supported outings there are amazing opportunities for assisted Arkansas adventure this season. To wit…
A Civil War Christmas Did you know we trace the way we celebrate Christmas to the Civil War? We didn’t either, but ’tis so, and you can learn all about it at Prairie Grove Battlefield this Saturday.
Eagle Stakeout Lake Ouachita State Park will have the hot beverages and binocs ready for the stakeout. All you have to do is show up in weather appropriate clothing and settle in for the show.
Black Bear Hike The Black Bear hike at Hobbs State Park is unlikely to feature any Black Bear sightings, but it is guaranteed to feature a lot of what there is to know about the rich history of The Natural State’s Black Bear population.
Winter Vista Hike Vista is a fancy word for view, and Mount Magazine has a few of ’em. If you head up there on the 27th you’ll be able to see them for yourself and shake off that Christmas turkey coma. Did we mention the trail is not in the park brochure?
New Year’s Eve Star Party Have you always wanted to party with the stars? No, not that kind of star, although we do happen to think BNR Ranger and event host Lauren Ray is an honest to goodness outdoors star, but we digress. Steel Creek campground on the Buffalo will be the site of a star viewing party on New Year’s Eve. If you haven’t attended one of these, well, you should.
First Day Hikes Buffalo National River, Lake Fort Smith State Park, White Oak Lake State Park and Petit Jean State Park are just a few of many parks offering guided first day hikes. Heck, one park is even hosting a First Night hike. In case all those Christmas cookies have you in a mental fog, this all goes down New Year’s Day (except the First Night hike, which goes down New Year’s night, ’cause, you know, it’s a night hike).
Happy New Year Red Hot Cider Float Every January 1st our good friends with the Arkansas Canoe Club and Water Trails Partnership host the Red Hot Cider Float on the Little Maumelle River. It’s cold, and it’s fun.
Y’all know the drill. These are just some of the many adventures on tap…blah blah blah. Get out there and enjoy! Our outdoor spaces belong to us; our very own adventure playground. Whatever we celebrate this time of year – Christmas, Hannukah, Solstice, Festivus – we all celebrate adventure! So here’s to a Merry Adventuremas and an adventurous new year, and we will…
See you out there!
