Iron Ranger Challenge

With 8 National Park Sites, 52 State Parks, 2 National Forests, along with Army Corps of Engineers sites, National Wildlife Refuge sites, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission lands, and city parks throughout the state, there are plenty of opportunities to log your 100 miles!

NPS Image

The Iron Ranger Challenge is back! After nearly a decade, over 1,600 folks have hiked, biked, swam, or paddled 100 miles on Arkansas public lands. We’re so proud of all that you’ve explored and hope that you’ll join us again for another adventurous year.

The 2025 Iron Ranger Challenge will continue to hold true to its roots: complete 100 miles of physical activity on any public lands within the state of Arkansas and you are eligible to become an Iron Ranger. This means any activity you do in an Arkansas National Park, Arkansas State Park, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission lands, US Forest Service site, National Wildlife Refuge site, Army Corps of Engineers site, or city park can be counted.

Activities should be self-propelled so things like walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming, and paddling all count towards the 100 mile goal!

 

Thanks to the Friends of Hot Springs National Park for sponsoring the 2024 Iron Ranger patch!

You are free to keep track of your miles however you best see fit. You can use a a fitness app, your watch data, paper, or an excel sheet. Once you complete your 100 miles, please email your completed form(s) to [e-mail] or send them in the mail to:

Hot Springs National Park
ATTN: Iron Ranger Challenge
101 Reserve St.
Hot Springs, AR 71901

A certificate and commemorative patch will be mailed out monthly to participants who complete the challenge. You have until January 31, 2025 to submit completed logs for 2024. Please call the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center, [phone] with any questions.

Happy Trails!