Mark January 1st on the Calendar To Take a Hike in an Iowa State Park
Iowans are being encouraged to start the new year with some exercise, fresh air and time outdoors.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is marking its 14th year of offering First Day Hikes, where people can gather on January 1 at dozens of state parks and forests for a short hike.
Sherry Arntzen, chief of the DNR’s Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau, says it’s a free activity that’s ideal for families and friends.
“It’s just a great way for friends and family to get out and enjoy the new year in a state park,” Arntzen says. “We offer 23 areas that are having guided hikes and we also have 21 areas that aren’t having guided hikes, but our staff have picked a great section of trail for those who want to go out at their leisure and enjoy those trails.”
The 44 hiking areas are spread across parks and forests statewide, meaning most Iowans are just a short drive from a participating location.
Arntzen says even when temperatures are below freezing, the First Day Hikes draw strong participation.
“People are really eager to get out and enjoy the outdoors,” she says. “This is just a great way to remind people that we have these wonderful resources available year round.”
Some hikes will also include refreshments at the end of the trail.
“We have a great network of what we call Friends Groups that support our parks,” Arntzen says. “They play a role in providing refreshments, whether it’s hot chocolate and cookies, and we have some that are having chili feeds after our events.”
Some hikes are as short as a half mile, while one planned in western Iowa will cover six miles. Full details about Iowa’s First Day Hikes are available online HERE.
