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Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike in Kansas

Usher in the New Year with other outdoor lovers at one of the many First Day Hikes offered Jan. 1 at some of Kansas’s state parks. The First Day Hike is a national program hosted by America’s State Parks. All 50 state park systems will sponsor free, guided First Day Hike Programs on New Year’s Day 2015.

America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2015. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

First Day events at Kansas State Parks are:

  • Elk City SP, 1 p.m.: Meet at Day Use Parking Area to hike along South Squaw Trail for wildlife pictures. No pets. For more information, call 620-331-6295.
  • Green Property, 1 p.m.: Meet at Green Recreational Trail Head in Pratt to hike Green Recreational Trail. For more information, call 620-672-5911.
  • Hillsdale SP, 10 a.m.: Meet at HillsdaleState Park office to hike Hidden Springs Nature Trail. For more information, call 913-783-4507.
  • Perry SP, 9 a.m.; Meet at SP Biking/Hiking trails on Kimberly Drive off West Lake Road to hike Skyline Trail. For more information, call 785-246-3449.
  • Pomona SP, 1 p.m.; Meet at Shelter to hike Buck-Brush Trail. For more information, call 785-828-4933.
  • Tuttle Creek SP. 10:30 a.m.; Meet at the Tuttle Creek State Park office for short hikes for guided bird watching on Cottonwood Trail. No pets. For more information, call 785-539-7941.

Participants should dress warmly in layers, wear comfortable hiking shoes, wear gloves and hats, bring camera and binoculars and carry water. The events are free and open to the public, but a KansasState Park permit is required which can be obtained at the park office on the day of the hike. A daily permit is $5.00 and an annual permit is $25.50.

Some trails are handicapped accessible, others are not. For detailed information on individual hikes go to http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/State-Parks/First-Day-Hikes.

More information about the national program can be obtained at http://naspd.org/.