National trails day June 2

On June 2, Lake Ouachita State Park will host an event in celebration of American Hiking Society’s 20th annual National Trails Day.® The event will be held at Lake Ouachita State Park from 8:00 am to 9:30 pm. Choose your own adventure on one of our guided trail hikes, kayaking tours, or scenic barge rides. The schedule also includes park programs and activities geared towards children and families encouraging outdoor exploration. A long-standing celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers, National Trails Day (NTD) is celebrated in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

The slogan for NTD 2012, America’s Largest TRAILgating Party, is an open invitation to all Americans to get outside and connect with local hiking clubs, outdoor retailers, local parks and recreation departments or federal land managing agencies to experience everything the great outdoors has to offer. National corporate sponsors include The North Face, Milk-Bone Trail Mix, Adventure Medical Kits, Merrell, Columbia, and Gerber Legendary Blades. Federal Partners, Supporters, and Media Sponsors include US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and Federal Highway Administration, REI, Eastern Mountain Sports, American Park Network, YMCA of the USA, Boy Scouts of America, and Backpacker Magazine.

"In April 2011 a tornado ripped through Lake Ouachita State Park and a popular hiking trail had to be closed due to extensive damage. Now, thanks to a number or volunteers and two Americorps teams, we are pleased to announce that the Caddo Bend Trail has been re-opened for park visitors to enjoy,” said Susan Adkins, Park Interpreter. For more information on Lake Ouachita State Park’s 2012 NTD event, please visit our website at www.ArkansasStateParks.com/LakeOuachita or contact Susan Adkins at susan.adkins@arkansas.gov or call 501-767-9366.

Since 1993, National Trails Day has inspired thousands of people to enjoy trails on the same day nationwide, taking part in hikes, bike and horse rides, trail maintenance, paddle trips and other activities. Event hosts include local hiking clubs, federal agencies, municipal parks, retailers, land trusts and many other businesses and organizations. For more information about National Trails Day®, visit www.AmericanHiking.org/ntd.

Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, their surrounding natural areas and the hiking experience. To learn more about American Hiking Society and its mission and programs, visit www.AmericanHiking.org or call (800) 972-8608.

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National Trails Day
Saturday, June 2
Lake Ouachita State Park

8 to 11a.m.
Caddo Bend Trail Hike

Natural and human forces continue to shape the history and landscape around Lake Ouachita. Meet at the Caddo Bend trailhead for a 4 mile guided hike to find out more about these changes. Bring drinking water and wear sturdy shoes for this strenuous adventure.

9 to 9:45 a.m.

Dogwood Trail Hike

The Ouachita National Forest provides a protective zone for wildlife around the lake. Meet at the Dogwood trailhead to take a guided, ½-mile walk and find out why the lake would be a different place without the forest. Bring drinking water, wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain.

10 to 10:45 a.m.

Makin’ Tracks

Signs of wildlife are all around. You just have to know what to look for. Track over to the visitor center picnic area to find out more about wildlife signs and to make your very own animal track to take home!

11 to 11:45 a.m.

Geocaching 101

What is geocaching? It is a fun, family-friendly activity using GPS units. Discover the basics of geocaching using the park’s GPS units or any units that you have brought, and then embark on a journey in search of a hidden “cache” with only the coordinates of its location to guide you. Wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water for the short hike.

12 noon to  12:45 p.m.

Scavenger Hunt

This fun seeking adventure will have you exploring the park in search of items from our list. See how many you can find for the most points. The winning team will get a prize. Meet at the visitor center picnic area.

1 to 1:45 p.m.

Camo Crawl

Some animals use camouflage to disguise themselves from predators. Think you could spot the hidden items on the trail? Test your skill to see how camouflage works. Meet at the Caddo Bend Trailhead.

2 to 2:45 p.m.

Wet Walk

Ever wonder what lives along the shoreline of Lake Ouachita? Wear your wading shoes and come prepared to get wet while we explore the insects that live in the lake. Meet at the Three Sisters Springs beach.

3 to 4:30 p.m.

Geo-Float Lake Tour

The Geo-Float Trail allows you to explore the unique geology of the Ouachita Mountains by boat. Space is limited on this barge tour. Tickets are $9 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for those under 6. Make your reservations and purchase tickets at the visitor center and meet at the marina.

5 to 6:30 p.m.

Kayak Koving

Kayaking gives you the opportunity to experience Lake Ouachita in a unique way. Join a park interpreter at the marina boat ramp to paddle out to nearby coves. Kayaks, paddles and PFDs are provided, but space is limited. Make reservations at the visitor center. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children 6-12 and free for those under 6. Kids 12 and under must ride tandem with an adult. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Glowing Skulls Hike

Can you see the strange glow in the forest? Meet a park interpreter at the Caddo Bend trailhead for a moderate hike through a mysterious trail of glowing skulls. Wear sturdy shoes and bring your flashlight for this one-of-a-kind quest.