Columbus
Arkansas Outside
Boating-related fatalities in Arkansas drop to single digits in 2023
According to the 2023 Boating Accident Year-End Report released by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the number of fatalities in boating accidents in Arkansas was the lowest in the last five years. Cpl. Sydney Grant, Boating Law Administrator in the AGFC’s Hot Springs office, compiled the data from 61 boating accidents, which resulted in only nine deaths.
Outdoor Recreation Boosts Mental Health
Ninety-two percent of U.S. adults experience a positive mental health boost after spending time at their local parks, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll. Visiting parks and participating in recreational activities can improve mood and boost energy. Not only do parks and recreation...
Two Arkansas Cities Recognized for Bicycle Friendliness
Communities across the country are working hard to encourage more people to ride bikes, which is beneficial for everyone. To recognize this progress, the League of American Bicyclists has awarded 58 places with the Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award. These communities are being recognized for their efforts to create a nation where every person has the option to safely and conveniently choose to ride a bike. In Arkansas, two communities, Bentonville and Conway, have been upgraded from Bronze to Silver level. The cities of Rogers, Benton, and Washington Counties have been certified at the Silver level. Fayetteville is the only city in Arkansas to have achieved the Gold level. Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Springdale have been certified at the Bronze level.
Prescribed Burns Begin on National Forests in Arkansas and Oklahoma
The Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests are planning to conduct prescribed burns in Arkansas and Oklahoma in the coming months. These burns will only be carried out when the conditions are favorable for natural resource management objectives and pose minimal impact on the public. Land managers use prescribed fire...
Hot Springs’ Northwoods Trails to Host Mountain Biking Southern Enduro Tour Marathon
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — Hot Springs’ nationally acclaimed Northwoods Trail System will be the host March 16 – 17 for three major events on the Southern Enduro Mountain Bike Tour. The Wildcat Mountain Bike Marathon — 25- and 50-mile races — will send riders onto...
USA Cycling Includes Fayetteville in 2024 Cross-Country Mountain Bike National Series
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Cycling proudly announces the 2024 Cross-Country Mountain Bike National Series, a successor to the Professional Cross-Country Tour (Pro XCT). The upcoming series retains the successful format of the previous year while introducing a new opportunity for junior cyclists. In a strategic move to foster...
Why Does Closing the Loop Matter?
This is the third part in our series on completing the Arkansas River Trail in Little Rock. In our first installment, we told you WHAT Closing the Loop means. Our second installment brought you a list showing HOW local leaders and advocates have attempted to Close the Loop. This article will attempt to describe WHY the City of Little Rock needs to Close the Loop.
RunSignup’s Annual RaceTrends Report Shows Per Race Participation Down Just 1% Compared to 2019
Moorestown, NJ /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – RunSignup, the leading technology solution for US endurance events, announces its Annual RaceTrends Report providing an evaluation of the state of the endurance industry. After years of slow recovery from the impacts of COVID-19, registration levels in 2023 suggest a return to the pre-pandemic baseline for participation and reason to refocus on industry growth.
Hot Springs 2-day St. Patrick’s Day bash includes 3rd Zero-K footrace
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — Is your most beloved pet a turtle? If so, you are a prime candidate for the Third Ever Zero-K World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Footrace in downtown Hot Springs on Saturday, March 16. The race, which honors lack of speed and...
The Explore Act Passes Unanimously in the House
Last week, lawmakers in the House Natural Resources Committee voted unanimously to advance the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a bipartisan package of outdoor recreation policy that could serve as a companion to America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA). The EXPLORE Act, like AORA, includes many key bills that Outdoor Alliance and its partners have helped develop and refine alongside lawmakers. Now, there are complementary packages of outdoor recreation policies in Congress: the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA) in the Senate and the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act in the House.
Visitor from France finds Largest Diamond since 2020
Julien Navas from Paris, France visited Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park for the first time on Thursday, January 11th. While exploring the park’s 37.5-acre search area, he discovered a 7.46-carat diamond on the surface. Navas was on a visit to the United States to witness the launch...
Planning Meeting Scheduled for Enhancements to Combs Park
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A public meeting will be held Wednesday, Jan. 24, at the Fayetteville Public Library to gather input from residents about enhancements to Combs Park. The meeting will take place 5-7 p.m. outside the Ziegler Reception Room of the library, located at 401 W. Mountain St. Input...
James Gaston’s Daring Descent
Snow Skiing Down the Big Dam Bridge Ramp in Little Rock, Arkansas. In the picturesque city of Little Rock, Arkansas, where the Arkansas River gracefully winds its way through the landscape, an unexpected and daring event recently unfolded. James Gaston, an avid snow skier passionate about unconventional adventures, decided to take on a thrilling challenge by snow skiing down the ramp of the iconic Big Dam Bridge. This unprecedented feat captured the attention of locals and visitors alike, turning a serene winter day into an adrenaline-fueled spectacle.
Photo Essay – 2024 Woolly Hollow Half Marathon
The start of the 5th Annual Woolly Hollow Half Marathon was a testament to the runners’ resilience and determination, with temperatures in the 20s and somewhat swollen creek crossings posing a challenge. However, race director Kevin Griffin instilled confidence in the participants by offering them the option to receive their swag even if they backed out. Most of the runners, however, were not deterred and showed up, turning the race into a resounding success. The extreme conditions further added to the confidence of the runners, making it a race to remember!
First Day Hikes Set Records in Arkansas
On January 1st, an annual tradition called First Day Hikes took place in 974 state parks across America, from Hawaii to Maine. Visitors had the opportunity to participate in ranger-led hikes, bike rides, history tours, races, horseback rides, polar plunges, and other activities to celebrate the beginning of the year 2024.
Pedal Kids USA: A New Era for Buddy Pegs
Buddy Pegs, a beloved name in the family biking community of Bentonville, AR, is excited to announce a significant transformation. Effective January 2nd, 2024, our business will operate under a new name: Pedal Kids USA. This change reflects our expanded commitment to youth cycling and our aspirations to inspire young riders nationwide.
Lake Chicot Drawdown Meeting Planned
LAKE VILLAGE — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will hold a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 16 at the Lake Village Fire Station at 2017 Arkansas Hwy 65. The AGFC and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers coordinated the last scheduled drawdown at Lake Chicot in 2019. The lake’s fishery management plan recommends controlled drawdowns once every 5 years to improve the fishery and offer lakeside landowners a chance to repair boathouses and docks. Drawdowns improve the fishery by concentrating predator species like bass and crappie with baitfish, giving them more opportunities to feed while temporarily thinning out abundant baitfish levels to increase their growth rate in fertile lakes. They also help recycle nutrients and reduce silt deposits by allowing shallow flats to dry out and existing grass seeds to sprout. They also provide future nursery cover for baitfish and young-of-the-year gamefish.
84,000 to 337,000 Predicted to Travel to Arkansas for the Total Solar Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, a Total Solar Eclipse will sweep across the United States from Texas to Maine sending millions of Americans into darkness. 31 million Americans currently live inside the path of totality. 1,771,000 live in the path in Arkansas. Millions more will travel on eclipse day to witness nature’s greatest sight.
All Bodies on Bikes Co-Founder to Speak at Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas Meeting
Please notice the change of venue, now meeting at Whole Hog Cafe – Cantrell Road. The Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas (BACA) is excited to announce that Marley Blonsky, co-founder of the popular cycling advocacy organization All Bodies on Bikes, will be the featured speaker at their upcoming January 2024 General Meeting. The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 6:30 PM at Whole Hog Café – Cantrell Road, Little Rock.
Arkansas Outside
647+
Posts
2M+
Views
Outdoor Recreation News from Arkansas with coverage of events and destinations mainly in the state. We cover Hiking, Camping, Mountain Biking, Road Cycling, Kayaking, Canoeing, Trail Running, Backpacking, Rock Climbing, and more.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.