Most programs/events are free and will meet at the David H. Pryor Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. Call the park office at 479.789.5000 or visit the Arkansas State Parks web site under Hobbs State Park events or the Friends of Hobbs State Park Facebook page or web site for more info.
Sat., October 3rd, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Black Bear Hike: Black Bears were once so plentiful in Arkansas that our state was known as the Bear State. Join a park interpreter on this family-friendly 0.25-mile hike along the ADA accessible Ozark Plateau Trail to discover more about the black bear, how to live safely in bear country, and other “bear” necessities.
Sat., October 3rd, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Hobbs Hiking Club for Adults: Join us for our monthly hike for adults on the first Saturday of each month. Each hike will include healthy outdoor recreation, sharing some of nature’s secrets, and the opportunity to socialize. Bring a friend and meet some new ones! Dogs are welcome if they are leashed and not aggressive. The trail, distance, and time may vary each month, but fun will always be had! For the October hike we’ll meet at the Townsends Ridge Road Trailhead and hike approximately 4 miles on the War Eagle Loop Trail to the War Eagle Creek overlook and back. This is an easy-moderate hike. Snacks will be provided. Recommended age 18+
Sun., October 4th, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Spooky Creatures Tabletop: Some creatures like bats, spiders, and owls have gotten a bad reputation and are considered “spooky” or even “evil”. But do they deserve that reputation? Discover the truth about these popular Halloween creatures. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.
Fri., October 9th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sunset Kayak Tour: Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake while guided by a park interpreter. We will learn the basics of paddling and enjoy the sunset on the lake. Meet at the Visitor Center and then caravan to the launch site. All equipment is provided. Space is limited to 10 people. Bring a water bottle, insect repellent, flashlight, and wear water shoes. Minimum age 9. NO charge for this event. Registration is required by 5 p.m. the day before the tour. Call (479) 789-5000
Sat., October 10th, 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Leave No Trace Principles on Monument Trails Hike: The choices you make while enjoying outdoor recreation can have a positive or negative impact on the park resources and trails. Join the park interpreter on an easy 0.25-mile hike on the ADA accessible Ozark Plateau Trail as we discover the Leave No Trace principles.
Sun., October 18th, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
If Bats Could Speak Tabletop: If bats could speak (or sing the Bad Rap Bat Rap), what would they tell us? A park interpreter will help “interpret” bats at this tabletop. Find out more about these misunderstood creatures at Hobbs, including some that are endangered, and how we can help bats everywhere. Make a bat mask to take home! A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.
Tues., October 20th, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Moonlight Kayak Tour: Spend the evening paddling on Beaver Lake under the moon guided by a park interpreter. Learn the basics of kayaking, see what’s visible in the night sky, weather permitting, and enjoy the sounds of the night. Meet at the Visitor Center and then caravan to the launch site. All equipment is provided. Bring a water bottle, insect repellent, flashlight, and wear water shoes. Minimum age 9. NO charge for this event. Space is limited to 10 people. Registration is required by 5 p.m. the day before the tour. Call (479) 789-5000
Fri., October 23rd, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Morning Kayak Tour: Spend the morning paddling on Beaver Lake while guided by a park interpreter. Learn the basics of kayaking while enjoying nature. Meet at the Visitor Center and then caravan to the launch site. All equipment is provided. Bring a water bottle, insect repellent, and wear water shoes. Minimum age 9. NO charge for this event. Space is limited to 10 people. Registration is required by 5 p.m. the day before the tour. Call (479) 789-5000
Sat., October 24th, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Living Forest Special Event: The Wizard of Hobbs Come experience the forest at Hobbs like never before – with costumed animal characters and some seemingly “wicked” as well as “good” humans. Become part of the story as you “follow the yellow brick road” in search of the Wizard in this fun, interactive program. As you journey along the paved Ozark Plateau Trail, a 0.25-mile, ADA accessible trail, you will discover how the forest was changed by the tornadoes of 2024 and what the future holds for this treasured forest and its inhabitants.
Craft and activity booths will be in the Visitor Center to explore before your hike, so be sure to arrive early and register your family at the check-in booth. Groups of up to 25 will depart approximately every 15 minutes from the Visitor Center for the hour-long hike on the trail. The last hike begins at 2:30. Afterwards, enjoy making s’mores and have some hot chocolate or apple cider at the pavilion. This non-scary event, perfect for ages 4+, is a collaboration with the Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists.
Sat., October 31st, 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Outdoor Safety on Monument Trails Hike: There are several potential dangers you could encounter when exploring the trails at Hobbs or elsewhere. Hike along the 0.25-mile, A.D.A. accessible Ozark Plateau Trail and spin the “wheel of misfortune” as we discover more about these dangerous situations, the plants and animals to avoid, and what to do if you should encounter them.
Sat., October 31st, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
The Owls of Hobbwarts: Come to the Hobbwarts School for young wizards and witches for this fun, kid-friendly program as we learn about the owls of Hobbs State Park with Professor Whoratio Owliver (a.k.a. Park Interpreter Chris). Everyone is welcome to come dressed in a costume or your robe to represent your house!
Sat., October 31st, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Spooky Creatures Tabletop: Some creatures like bats, spiders, and owls have gotten a bad reputation and are considered “spooky” or even “evil”. But do they deserve that reputation? Discover the truth about these popular Halloween creatures. A 15-minute program will start every half hour. Come and go as you please.
