December 27, 2013
12/30/13 Usher in the New Year with other outdoor lovers at one of the many First Day Hikes, and one First Day Horse Ride, offered Jan. 1 at Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs.
First Day Hikes are a healthy way to start 2014 and a chance to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and connect with friends. The family-friendly, guided hikes are organized by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with America’s State Parks.
According to America’s State Parks, First Day Hikes will be held in all 50 states in 2014. Last year, state parks across the country hosted 22,000 people who hiked a combined 43,911 miles.
“Think of it as the start of a new and healthy lifestyle, for the whole family,” said Priscilla Geigis, president of the National Association of State Park Directors.
DNR’s Division of State Parks & Reservoirs is hosting 30 First Day events throughout the state, including a trail run/walk at Monroe Lake, and a First Day Horse Ride at Tippecanoe River State Park.
Information on First Day events in Indiana is at dnr.IN.gov/parklake/files/sp-first_day_hikes.pdf
First Day events at Indiana State Parks & Reservoirs are:
— Indiana Dunes SP: Meet at 10 a.m. Central Time at the nature center for a moderate to rugged hike through the high dunes, including Mt. Tom. The event ends with a fire and refreshments.
— Pokagon SP: Meet at 1 p.m. at the Potawatomi Inn’s Lonidaw Lounge for a hike to Lake Lonidaw, then up to the toboggan run for a fire and refreshments.
— Potato Creek SP: Meet at 10 a.m. at the Quaking Aspen East Parking Lot for a 1-mile hike.