JEFFERSON CITY – Is there a better way to kick off the new year than by getting outside and burning off some extra holiday calories? On New Year’s Day, America’s State Parks organization will once again celebrate with the year’s inaugural First Day Hikes initiative.
In its twelfth year, the annual event gives people the opportunity to start the year with an outdoor hike at a state park. These organized hikes offer individuals and families a unique tradition to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature.
This year, more than 400 hikes are scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 1, in all 50 states. Join fellow hikers by getting your heart pumping and enjoying the beauty of a state park. Details on every state’s 2023 hikes are located at stateparks.org/.
In Missouri, you’re invited to join a state park team member for a one- to three-hour guided hike through a Missouri state park. You’ll burn off some holiday calories, cure cabin fever and enjoy the winter landscape and wildlife. Distance and rigor vary from park to park, but all hikes aim to create a fun experience for all. Participants are invited to savor the beauty of the state park’s natural resources so they may be inspired to take advantage of these local treasures throughout the year.
“Participating in a First Day Hike is a great way to start a new year with friends and family,” said David Kelly, director of the Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks. “We encourage you to get out and enjoy some fresh air, while exploring the landscape of your favorite Missouri State Park. We’d love to see you start off the new year at one of our 92 state parks and historic sites and continue to visit throughout the year. With more than 1,000 miles of trail, you can take advantage of both the physical and mental health benefits of nature!”
Last year, nearly 55,000 people participated in guided hikes that covered more than 133,000 miles in all 50 states. Participants are encouraged to log their adventures on social media with #FirstDayHikes.
To learn more about each hike, register and find meeting times and locations, visit mostateparks.com/FirstDayHikes. Be sure to dress for the weather, bring water and snacks and please stay home if sick.
Missouri state parks participating in the First Day Hike initiative include:
Hawn State Park, Ste. Genevieve
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Wildwood
Bennett Spring State Park, Lebanon.
Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site, Ash Grove
Bryant Creek State Park, Ava
Crowder State Park, Trenton
Cuivre River State Park, Troy
Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Kaiser
Meramec State Park, Sullivan
Missouri Mines State Historic Site, Park Hills
Prairie State Park, Mindenmines
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Columbia
Francois State Park, Bonne Terre
St. Joe State Park, Park Hills
Table Rock State Park, Branson
Thousand Hills State Park, Kirksville
Wallace State Park, Cameron
For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.