Take a Free Guided Hike on January 1st
Ready to make a break from the old year and enjoy the fresh air, exercise and adventure? State parks across the country offer free guided hikes on the first day, and you can find one near you here .
Each hike is led by park staff or volunteers, and depending on the location, you can explore forest trails, climb hills or mountains, or stroll along the lakeside or beach. Some hikes include guided bird watching or wildlife watching.
On the First Day Hikes website, you will find out if each hike is suitable for children and pets, how far you can walk, and what equipment you need. Many of them just need to dress for the weather and bring a bottle of water and a snack.
Whether you’re joining an organized hike or not, the first day of the year is a great time to enjoy some of the joys in life that aren’t reflected in our holiday celebrations. Most of us hung out at home gorging ourselves on wine and cookies, and it would be nice to go outside and stretch our legs (not just for snow-clearing reasons). So think about the hike, organized or not.