DES MOINES – What’s the best way to spend New Year’s Day? Take a First Day Hike in one of 27 participating Iowa state parks! Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.
All 50 states are hosting hikes as part of America's First Day Hikes initiative. In its seventh year, the national event encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with a guided outdoor exploration.
“We are excited to host First Day Hikes again as part of this effort to get people outdoors and into our parks,” said Todd Coffelt, chief of the Iowa DNR’s State Parks Bureau. “These hikes are a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.”
Last year, more than 1,200 people began the year in an Iowa state park, hiking more than 1,100 total miles.
Staff and volunteers will lead free, guided First Day Hikes in Iowa’s 27 participating state parks. Some hikes will include wildlife viewing and hot beverages. Hikes will average one to two miles or longer depending on the location. Details about the hikes can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes. To see a comprehensive national map of First Day Hikes, visit www.stateparks.org Participants are encouraged to share their adventures on social media with #FirstDayHikes or #IowaStateParks.
Iowa First Day Hikes will take place at the following 27 state parks:
NORTHWEST
Big Creek State Park
Dolliver Memorial State Park
Gitchie Manitou State Preserve
Ledges State Park
Lewis and Clark State Park
Prairie Rose State Park
Springbrook State Park
Stone State Park
SOUTHWEST
Green Valley State Park
Lake Anita State Park
Viking Lake State Park
Waubonsie State Park
Wilson Island State Recreation Area
SOUTHEAST
Elk Rock State Park
Honey Creek Resort State Park
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
Lake Darling State Park
Lake Wapello State Park
Walnut Woods State Park
NORTHEAST
Bellevue State Park
Cedar Rock State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area
Pikes Peak State Park
Pine Lake State Park
Volga River State Recreation Area
Yellow River State Forest
"America’s State Parks provide havens for young and old alike to discover the tranquility and beauty of nature through outdoor recreation,” National Association of State Park Directors Executive Director, Lewis Ledford said. “Hiking offers inspiring ways to improve your physical and mental health, while exploring beautiful public lands in every state.” Last year, more than 62,000 people took part in guided hikes that covered over 114,165 miles on 1,300 different hikes across the country.