The Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation has officially launched the Guide ARK Directory, giving residents and visitors a new way to find verified outdoor guides across The Natural State.
The online directory, now available through Arkansas.com, features professional guides who have been vetted by the state and offer guided experiences in some of Arkansas’ most popular outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, paddling, hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. (This list has not yet populated.)
The launch represents another step in the state’s continued investment in outdoor recreation tourism, an industry that generated a record $10.3 billion in visitor spending in 2025, according to recently released tourism data.
A Resource for Visitors Looking for Trusted Guides
The Guide ARK Directory allows users to search for guides who have met program requirements, including providing proof of:
- Appropriate licenses
- Business registration
- Liability insurance
- Safety certifications
The goal is to make it easier for travelers and Arkansans alike to connect with qualified professionals while giving guide services additional visibility through the state’s tourism marketing efforts.
“Arkansas’ outdoors are among our greatest assets, and the people who share them with others are just as important,” said Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Lewis said the program helps visitors find trusted professionals who provide safe, memorable experiences while supporting local businesses and communities throughout the state.
Supporting Arkansas’ Outdoor Recreation Economy
The Guide ARK initiative is administered by the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, which has increasingly focused on developing the state’s outdoor recreation industry through infrastructure, business development, and tourism initiatives.
Katherine Andrews, Director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, said outdoor guides often provide a visitor’s first introduction to Arkansas’ trails, rivers, forests, and public lands.
“The launch of the Guide ARK Directory helps connect visitors with qualified professionals while creating new opportunities for guides to grow their businesses,” Andrews said. “By elevating and promoting these businesses, we’re strengthening Arkansas’ outdoor recreation economy and supporting the communities that depend on it.”
Professional guides frequently serve as ambassadors for local communities by introducing visitors to destinations they may not have otherwise discovered. Guided trips also encourage longer stays and increased spending on lodging, restaurants, retail, and other tourism-related businesses.
Applications Remain Open
Although the directory is now available to the public, the Office of Outdoor Recreation is continuing to accept applications from guides who want to participate.
There is no cost to apply. Approved guides must provide documentation verifying they meet the program’s requirements and will renew their participation annually.
In addition to proof of business registration, insurance, and any required licenses, guides must also hold the appropriate safety certification for their activity. The Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation is helping prospective members meet this requirement by offering a series of free CPR, First Aid, and Wilderness First Aid courses around the state during August, September, and October 2026.
Free Safety Certification Training Available for Prospective Guides
To help outdoor professionals qualify for the Guide ARK program, the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation is offering free safety certification courses for guides who intend to apply for the state’s official Guide Verification Program.
The required certification depends on the type of guiding services offered:
- Hunting: CPR & First Aid
- Fishing: CPR & First Aid
- Cycling: CPR & First Aid
- Paddling: CPR & First Aid
- Climbing: Wilderness First Aid
- Hiking: Wilderness First Aid
The free training sessions are scheduled throughout Arkansas this fall, making it easier for guides across the state to obtain the certifications needed for Guide ARK membership.
2026 Guide ARK Safety Certification Schedule
| Date | Training | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 14 | CPR & First Aid | Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center, Jonesboro |
| August 28 | CPR & First Aid | J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center, Springdale |
| August 30 | CPR & First Aid | Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge, Mena |
| September 8-9 | Wilderness First Aid | Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism, Little Rock |
| September 13 | CPR & First Aid | AGFC Regional Office, Mountain Home |
| October 9 | CPR & First Aid | Grand Prairie Center, Stuttgart |
| October 10 | CPR & First Aid | Monticello (Location to be announced) |
The training initiative lowers one of the barriers to entry for professional guides while helping ensure Guide ARK members meet consistent safety standards. By providing these certifications at no cost, the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation hopes to expand the number of qualified guides available to serve residents and visitors exploring The Natural State.
Benefits for Guide ARK Members
Approved Guide ARK businesses receive more than just a listing in the directory. Additional benefits include:
- Listing on Arkansas.com
- Exposure through the Arkansas Travel Guide
- Promotion in state tourism newsletters
- Visibility at Arkansas Welcome Centers
- Promotion through Arkansas State Parks
- A digital Guide ARK badge and window decal
- Access to tourism marketing resources and data
- Potential invitations to trade shows and state marketing campaigns
- Opportunities to participate in the Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Outdoor Recreation
These benefits are designed to help guides expand their businesses while making it easier for travelers to identify trusted outdoor service providers.
What It Means for Arkansas
As Arkansas continues to build its reputation as one of the country’s premier outdoor recreation destinations, programs like Guide ARK help strengthen the connection between visitors and the businesses that make outdoor adventures possible.
From world-class mountain biking in Northwest Arkansas to paddling the Buffalo National River, climbing in the Ozarks, cycling scenic backroads, or fishing legendary lakes and rivers, experienced local guides can enhance both safety and the overall visitor experience.
The Guide ARK Directory provides a centralized location where travelers can confidently find qualified professionals while giving Arkansas’ growing guide community another tool to market their services and contribute to the state’s expanding outdoor recreation economy.
Outdoor professionals interested in joining the program can apply through the Guide ARK page on Arkansas.com.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
