State Parks Hosting 'First Day Hikes' on New Year's Day

By Kara Seymour

Ring in the New Year with a hike.

Pennsylvania’s Bureau of State Parks is hosting free, guided hikes in 22 state parks on New Year’s Day as part of the America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.

“We are excited to join in hosting these hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti. “For the fourth consecutive year, First Day Hikes offer a great cure for cabin fever and a chance to burn off those extra holiday calories.”

The following Pennsylvania state parks are participating during daylight hours on January 1, 2015: Bald Eagle, Black Moshannon, Canoe Creek, Delaware Canal, French Creek, Gifford Pinchot, Hickory Run, Hills Creek, Jacobsburg,Jennings, Kings Gap and Nolde Forest environmental education centers, Marsh Creek, Moraine, Nescopeck, Parker Dam, Presque Isle, Prince Gallitzin, Pymatuning and Sinnemahoning.

“With this selection we hope to draw both novices and trail-hardened veterans alike into our state parks in what has become an annual salute to healthy exercise and the winter beauty and serenity of our 120 state parks,” Ferretti said. “Weather will dictate activities at our state parks on Jan. 1, but different hikes will match different abilities. The accent is on enjoyment.”

Pennsylvania State Park staff and volunteers will be leading the hikes, which will be about one or two miles.

For more information, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.usand click on State Parks under “Quick Links,” then select “Events Calendar” and the date.

“Last year we hosted 28,000 people who hiked 66,811 miles in our state parks across the country when we launched America’s State Parks First Day Hikes,” said Priscilla Geigis, president of the National Association of State Park Directors. “Think of it as the start of a new and healthy lifestyle, for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.”