Celebrate The New Year With A First Day Hike On Jan. 1

Last updated on Tuesday, December 9, 2014

(UNDATED) - Usher in the New Year with other outdoor lovers at one of the many First Day Hikes, and one First Day Horse Ride, offered Jan. 1 at Indiana’s state parks.

First Day Hikes are a healthy way to start 2015 and a chance to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and connect with friends.

DNR's Division of State Parks is hosting 32 First Day events throughout the state, including a trail run/walk at Monroe Lake, and a First Day Horse Ride at Tippecanoe River State Park.

Information on First Day events in Indiana is at dnr.IN.gov/dnr/parklake/2420.htm.

First Day events at Indiana State Parks are (all times are local):

Brookville Lake, 11 a.m.: Meet at the picnic shelter on the Mounds SRA campground road, across from the Wildlife Wander Trail. The hike is an easy 0.7 miles.
Brown County, 10 a.m.: Meet at nature center deck for a hike through the woods. Then head to the Abe Martin Lodge for warm drinks and snacks. For more information, call (812) 988-5240.
Chain O'Lakes, 6 p.m.: Meet at the campground general store for the "Chain O'Lights" luminary walk. The path is an easy 3/4-mile loop. Hot cocoa will be available while supplies last.
Charlestown, 1 p.m.: Meet at the Trail 1 parking lot for a rugged, 2.4-mile hike on Trail 1. The hike will last two hours.
Clifty Falls, 10 a.m.: Meet in the lobby of Clifty Inn for a 1 ½-hour, moderately rugged hike. Return to the inn for a bonfire on the hill, s'mores and hot chocolate or coffee.
Falls of the Ohio, 1 p.m.: Meet at interpretive center deck. The hike path is to be determined based on weather and river levels.
Fort Harrison, 1 p.m.: Meet at the visitors center for a 4-mile, non-competitive (untimed) walk/run on streets and sidewalks through the park and historic Lawton Loop district. The event is not recommended for strollers or pets.
Hardy Lake, 11 a.m.: Meet at the main trailhead across from the beach access road for a hike to "The Island." The hike is 3 miles and moderately rugged.
Harmonie, 10 a.m.: Meet at the pool parking lot to walk 2 miles on a paved trail with slight hills. Afterward, enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.
Indiana Dunes, 10 a.m.: Meet at the nature center for a three-dunes-challenge hike. The hour-long hike ends with a fire and snacks.
Lieber SRA, 10 a.m.: Meet at the Hilltop Shelter for the "March to the Marsh Hike" with the park staff. Smokey Bear will give bear hugs and paw print face painting afterward.
Lincoln, noon: Meet at the nature center for a hike around Lake Lincoln. The hike is moderate and 1 mile long.
McCormick's Creek, 2 p.m.: Meet at the Canyon Inn lobby for a photo safari. Bring your camera to capture the canyon in its winter beauty. The trail is easy-to-moderate and about ¾-mile long. Refreshments will be served at the end.
Mississinewa Lake, 4:30 p.m..: Meet at Bostwick pond in Miami Recreation Area for a 1-mile hike that will last about 30 minutes. Reserve your spot by calling (260) 468-2127.
Monroe Lake, 3:30 p.m.: Meet at Fairfax SRA for the First Day Trail Run/Walk, a non-competitive (untimed) trail run/walk through forest and field. Participants can choose from a 3.6- or a 1.6-mile course. Register at http://mag7raceseries.com. Contact: JVance@dnr.IN.gov
Mounds, 7, 7:15 & 7:30 p.m.: The park will offer three 45-minute Luminary First Day Hikes (all the same content) on an easy, illuminated trail from the nature center to the Great Mound.
O'Bannon Woods, 1 p.m.: Meet at the nature center for a 1-mile walk on a road with oxen and donkeys. Enjoy refreshments at the nature center afterward. The hike is contingent on weather.
Ouabache, 11 a.m.: Meet at the Bison Pen Shelter for an easy, 40-minute stroll around the bison pen on a mile-long trail. Reserve your spot by calling (260) 468-2127.
Patoka Lake, 1 p.m.: Meet at the nature center for "Hike 'N Hot Chocolate." Join park staff for a ¾-mile hike along the scenic Garden Rock Loop trail while sipping a cup of hot chocolate.
Pokagon, 1 p.m.: Meet at Potawatomi Inn's Lonidaw Lounge. The hike, which is less than a mile, ends at the toboggan run fire ring. Roast marshmallows and enjoy a fire from 2 to 3 p.m.
Potato Creek, 2 p.m.: Meet at the nature center auditorium for a 1-mile hike down Peppermint Loop. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served afterward.
Prophetstown, 2 p.m.: Meet at The Farm for a 2-mile stroll through the prairie down with bird- watching opportunities. The hike will end at The Farm with warm drinks and snacks.
Raccoon Lake, noon: Meet at the Chapel Shelter for an hour-long, moderate hike along Berry Drive and the Chippekowday Vista.
Salamonie Lake (Salamonie River State Forest), 2 p.m.: Meet at Salamonie River State Forest, Hominy Ridge parking lot for a 1-mile hike. Call (260) 468-2127 to reserve a spot.
Shades, 1:30 p.m.: Meet at the Hickory Shelter parking lot for a one-hour, easy hike. Bring binoculars. Snacks and water provided.
Shakamak, 1 p.m.: Meet at the log cabin for a 1.5-mile hike on paved roads. There will be a fire, popcorn and cocoa at the log cabin.
Spring Mill, 1 p.m.: Meet at the Twin Caves parking lot for a 1-mile hike through the old-growth section of Donaldson Woods with an interpreter portraying George Donaldson.
Summit Lake, 9 a.m.: Meet at the trailhead next to the beach parking lot to hike Trail 3 with the property manager.
Tippecanoe River, lunch at noon, horse ride at 1 p.m.: Meet at site #1 in the horse campground for a horse ride. Lunch will be available at noon and the ride will begin at 1 p.m. The ride will last between 30 to 90 minutes depending on weather conditions. Lunch will be hot dogs over the fire. Bring a side to share if you wish to participate in lunch.
Turkey Run, 7 p.m.: Gather at the Turkey Run State Park Inn lobby for a luminary night hike. Bottled water, hot cocoa, coffee and trail mix will be available at the inn.
Versailles, 1:45 p.m.: Meet at the pool parking lot for a 4-mile, two-hour hike on Shadow Run trail. Leashed dogs are welcome. Sturdy hiking boots, water and hiking sticks are a plus.
Whitewater Memorial, 2 p.m.: Meet at the Poplar Grove Shelter to hike the Memorial Loop trail for 2.5 miles. Refreshments will be served.

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