Helping visitors ring in 2013 with healthy exercise and a glimpse of nature’s winter beauty, the Bureau of State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in 18 state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states.

Organized by the National Association of State Park Directors, the nationwide, New Year’s Day hikes originated more than 20 years ago in Milton, Mass. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks.

State involvement has to grown to the point where, for the first time in 2012, all 50 state park systems joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes. Participating state parks are: Bald Eagle, Black Moshannon, Leonard Harrison, Kinzua Bridge, Ohiopyle, Moraine, Raccoon Creek, Pymatuning, Keystone, Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, Canoe Creek, Lackawanna, Promised Land, Nescopeck, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Marsh Creek, French Creek and Delaware Canal.

For more information, visit DCNR’s State Park Calendar of Events.  Click Here to find a state park near you.

(Reprinted from the Dec. 19 issue of DCNR’s Resource newsletter.)

12/24/2012