This New Year's Day, get outdoors with Iowa's “First Day Hikes”

By Katie on December 29, 2015 in Blog

Photo by Tim Wilson via Flickr Creative Commons

Start the new year on the right foot: Iowa State Parks is sponsoring free, guided hikes in 19 state parks on New Year's Day as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.

First Day Hikes is a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family. Not to mention, Iowa's state parks boast a variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor recreation. Hiking is the perfect opportunity to explore the unique natural and cultural treasures close to home.

Staff and volunteers will lead hikes in 17 state parks across the state. Routes will average one to two miles, and times vary by location. The following parks are participating:

Northwest Iowa
Gitchie Manitou State Preserve — 1 p.m.
Stone State Park — 10:30 a.m.
Dolliver Memorial State Park — 11 a.m.
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area — 1 p.m.
Ledges State Park — 11 a.m.
Springbrook State Park — 12 p.m.
Prairie Rose State Park — 5 p.m.

Southwest Iowa
Wilson Island State Recreation Area — 9 a.m.
Green Valley State Park — 10:00 a.m.
Waubonsie State Park — 1 p.m.

Southeast Iowa
Walnut Woods State Park — 9 a.m.
Honey Creek State Park — 1 p.m.
Honey Creek Resort — 9 a.m.
Lake Darling State Park — 9 a.m.

Northeast Iowa
Backbone State Park — 9 a.m.
Maquoketa Caves State Park — 1 p.m.
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area — 1 p.m.
Pikes Peak State Park — 1 p.m.
Yellow River State Forest — 10 a.m.

Find detailed information about meeting place and time for each hike listed.

To see a comprehensive map of First Day Hikes across the country, visit here.