Summer in Arkansas brings long days, beautiful scenery, and endless opportunities to hike, paddle, ride, camp, and explore. It also brings high temperatures and humidity that can quickly turn an enjoyable adventure into a dangerous situation. Whether you’re hiking to a waterfall in the Ozarks, floating the Buffalo National River, riding the Delta Heritage Trail, or spending the day at an Arkansas state park, understanding how to prevent heat-related illness is essential. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke send thousands of people to emergency rooms each year, but most cases can be prevented with proper planning and a little common sense.