‘First Day Hike’ at wildlife park

On Jan. 1, all 50 states will participate in the seventh annual national event that encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with an outdoor exploration.

First Day Hikes offer a chance to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family. Meet at 1 p.m.at the stone shelter, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd., McGregor.

The nationwide First Day Hikes program is returning on New Year’s Day in the Auburn State Recreation Area. State park staff and volunteers will guide most hikes, and will talk about native plants, animals or park history along the way.

Dozens of Texas state parks are offering First Day Hikes to help you do that.

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Extreme cold temperatures are in the forecast though New Year’s, but that’s not stopping your state parks from continuing a New Year’s tradition.

Here’s a roundup of activities at nearby Texas State Parks. “It’s getting folks out during a time when they might not normally go hiking”.

“I try to do hikes that allow us to make a loop so we get different scenery the whole time”, Rose said.

Several parks will offer special refreshments, including Smith Mountain Lake, Bear Creek Lake, Caledon, James River, Powhatan and Shenandoah River state parks.

The trail is about one half mile long and has a moderately strenuous grade.

“Basically, I lead the group out through the woods and a trail developers as people go through it”, Olin said. The trail is rated easy to moderate. In total, all three parts would equal five miles. The ball will be hoisted 80 feet over the corner of Baker and Ewing streets and lowered by a crane to ring in the new year, according to the website, https://fwballdrop.com.

“It’s a pretty thing to look at”, Griffith said. “We’ve got an observation platform, so you can get right up next to the bottom of it and get good views and pictures”. Hot drinks will be provided and a raffle will take place at many sites.

All participants should dress appropriately for the winter mornings and wear sturdy shoes, bring a jacket, and water. He said organizers are expecting a larger crowd this year.

In southern Missouri, hikes are planned at Roaring River State Park, Bennett Spring State Park, Echo Bluff State Park, Grand Gulf State Park, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Prairie State Park, Stockton State Park and Table Rock State Park.