First hike of the new year

photo by Richie Diesterheft and courtesy of Creative Commons

Hikers, save the date! The E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center in Dubuque, next to the Mines of Spain Recreational Area, is holding its first event of the year New Year’s Day. The “First Hike” is a nationwide effort to promote hiking and recreation in state parks and 2014 marks the third year the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center will be hosting their own winter march across scenic bluffs and valleys.

The hike will begin at 1 p.m. on Jan. 1. Snowshoes will be available for the first families who arrive and refreshments will welcome hikers back to the Interpretive Center after the hike. Park Ranger Wayne Buchholtz expects over 80 hikers this year.

Even more exciting is the area hikers will be exploring. The Interpretive Center—with help from INHF, the Iowa DNR, Friends of The Mines of Spain and the City of Dubuque—just added a 52-acre property adjacent to the park for visitors to enjoy. The hike will introduce visitors to the new area, which includes great views of the river and valleys.