Take A Hike, Iowa: Guided New Year's Hikes In 26 Parks

DES MOINES, IA — Free, guided hikes will take place in 26 Iowa state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's First Day Hikes initiative. Last year, more than 1,200 people began the year in an Iowa state park, enjoying a winter hike and exploring the natural beauty of the state.

“We are excited to host First Day Hikes again as part of this effort to get people outdoors and into our parks,” Todd Coffelt, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau, said in a news release. “These hikes are a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.”

Staff and volunteers will lead the hikes. Some will include wildlife viewing and hot beverages. Hikes will average one to two miles or longer, depending on the location. Details about the hikes (times, length, meeting location and level of difficulty) can be found at Iowa First Day Hikes.

All 50 states will participate in the seventh annual national event, designed to encourage everyone to celebrate the new year with a guided outdoor exploration.

Iowa hikes will take place at the following 26 state parks:

Northwest Iowa:

• Big Creek State Park
• Dolliver Memorial State Park
• Gitchie Manitou State Preserve
• Ledges State Park
• Lewis and Clark State Park
• Prairie Rose State Park
• Springbrook State Park
• Stone State Park

Southwest Iowa:

• Green Valley State Park
• Lake Anita State Park
• Viking Lake State Park
• Waubonsie State Park
• Wilson Island State Recreation Area

Southeast Iowa:

• Honey Creek Resort State Park
• Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
• Lake Darling State Park
• Lake Wapello State Park
• Walnut Woods State Park

Northeast Iowa:

• Bellevue State Park
• Cedar Rock State Park
• Maquoketa Caves State Park
• Mines of Spain State Recreation Area
• Pikes Peak State Park
• Pine Lake State Park
• Volga River State Recreation Area
• Yellow River State Forest

"America’s State Parks provide havens for young and old alike to discover the tranquility and beauty of nature through outdoor recreation,” National Association of State Park Directors executive director, Lewis Ledford said. “Hiking offers inspiring ways to improve your physical and mental health, while exploring beautiful public lands in every state.”

Last year, more than 62,000 people took part in guided hikes that covered more than 114,165 miles on 1,300 sites across the country.

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