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Before applying, please review the Application Requirements section to understand what documentation is needed to become a Guide ARK Guide.

If you are applying on behalf of a business that operates with multiple guides, please collect and upload all guide licensures and certifications in your application.

Apply to Be a Guide

Application Requirements

Guides applying to participate in Guide ARK must operate in the state of Arkansas. Guides in every activity category must submit the following:

  • Proof of General Liability Insurance Coverage

  • Proof of Good Standing with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Office, or similar entity from state where business is registered

  • Safety Certification – Minimum requirement of Full First Aid and CPR Certification that includes an in-person assessment. Additional safety certifications may be submitted for consideration, including but not limited to: Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, CPR, AED, CPR for Drowning, Swift Water Rescue.

Specialty Documentation

In addition to the above requirements, the following activities require specialty documentation.

Hunting

  • Hunting Guide License from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

  • Hunter Education Card from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, or an equivalent body in another state.

Fishing

  • Fishing Guide License from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

  • If born on or after January 1, 1986, Boating License from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Climbing

  • Climbing Instructor Certification – At minimum, applicants must hold a Single Pitch Instructor Certification from the American Mountain Guides Association, the Professional Climbing Instructors Association, or other accredited organization for review.

  • Safety Certification – At minimum, applicants must hold a Wilderness First Aid certification.

Paddling

  • Certification – At minimum, applicants must hold at least ONE of the following:

    • American Canoe Association Instructor Certification, Paddlesports Leader Certification, or Paddlesports Guide Certification
      OR

    • Swift Water Rescue certification that includes an in-person assessment from a fully accredited entity.

Cycling

  • Cycling Instructor Certification – Mountain Bike guides must hold a Ride Leader Certification through the Bike Instructor Certification Program, or other accredited organization.

  • Basics of Bicycle Maintenance – Certification of bicycle maintenance and repair training OR explanation of Guide’s abilities and experience conducting routine maintenance and in-field bicycle repair.

Hiking

  • Safety Certification – At minimum, applicants must hold a Wilderness First Aid certification.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed within one month of submission.

Following initial approval, participants must submit their application for review and renewal each year to continue receiving program benefits.

Renewal applications will be accepted annually between September 1 and December 1. Approved applicants will be notified by December 31 of each calendar year.

All approved, participating guides will receive a reminder to renew starting September 1 of each year.

Beginning September 1 of each year, approved guides will receive a Guide ARK Stamp that reflects the current calendar year AND a stamp for the following calendar year.

If more than 12 months pass between approval and the submission of a renewal application, participating guide may be removed from the Guide ARK Directory.

Example Timeline

  1. Guide applies and is approved between February 1, 2026 – September 1, 2026:

    • Guide is added to the Guide ARK directory and receives 2026 Guide ARK Stamp

  2. Guide applies and is approved between September 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027

    • Guide is added to the Guide ARK directory and receives a 2026 stamp AND a 2027 stamp, along with all program benefits

  3. Annually: Guide receives a renewal notice by September 1

  4. Annually: Guide applies for renewal between September 1 – December 1

    • If approved, guide remains on the Guide ARK directory and receives a Guide ARK Stamp for the following year

  5. If Guide does not submit an application for renewal by December 1, their listing is removed from the Guide ARK Directory.

    • A guide may be re-listed upon application submission and approval during the following year’s renewal period (September 1 – December 1).

Benefits of Being a Guide ARK Guide

Promotion

  • Directory Listing and Profile on Arkansas.com: Verified guides receive a profile on the State’s Tourism website, Arkansas.com. The listing features business and contact information with a photo and link to your website. The profile will be promoted as visitors plan trips to Arkansas.

  • Statewide Promotion:  Guide ARK will be promoted in the Arkansas Travel Guide, at Arkansas Welcome Centers, within Arkansas State Parks, by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, and by regional Tourism Associations.

  • Social Media and Newsletters: The Office of Outdoor Recreation and Arkansas Tourism will promote Guide ARK on social media platforms and in agency newsletters.

  • Digital Stamp: Verified guides will receive a digital Guide ARK stamp, which they are encouraged to use to promote their business. Guides will receive an updated stamp each year that they are verified.

  • Sticker Decal: Verified Guides will receive a Guide ARK sticker decal to be used at their place of business to promote participation in the program.

Participation

  • Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Outdoor Recreation: Verified guides will be eligible to attend GovCon at a special discounted rate. GovCon is the annual gathering of the state’s leading industry and community partners in outdoor recreation, typically held in late February.

  • Event Invitations: Arkansas Tourism and the Office of Outdoor Recreation may select verified guides to participate in events and trade shows, either within Arkansas or in out-of-state target Tourism markets.

  • Marketing Campaigns: Select guides may be considered to participate in strategic promotional campaigns with Arkansas Tourism. To be considered for a Tourism feature, a guide must first be verified through Guide ARK.

  • Operations in State Parks: To operate as a guide within an Arkansas State Park, businesses must be verified through Guide ARK.

Presentation

  • Arkansas Toolkit: Verified guides will receive a promotional package for Arkansas – talking points and helpful information to share with visitors interested in the Natural State. The toolkit will emphasize recreation opportunities in Arkansas, conservation, and hospitality.

  • Visitation Data: Verified guides may be eligible to receive online and physical visitation data from Arkansas Tourism to help inform traveler outreach.