Nearby Ledges state park in Boone County and Springbrook state park in Guthrie County are among the 27 Iowa state parks to host First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day. 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, according to an Iowa Department of Natural Resources press release.
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.
