Ledges State Park in Boone County and Springbrook State Park in Guthrie County are among the 27 state parks hosting a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day.
Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter.
“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.”
In past years, more than 1,200 people began the year in an Iowa state park, hiking more than 1,100 total miles. The 2018 First Day Hikes were cancelled due to hazardous cold temperatures.
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. Participants are encouraged to share their adventures on social media with #FirstDayHikes or #iowastateparks
