INDIANA – Welcome the new year with an Indiana Department Natural Resources tradition — a First Day Hike on January 1.
First Day Hikes are a healthy way to start 2024 and a chance to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature, and connect with friends. Nearly all state parks and lakes, as well as some state forests, will offer hikes.
Spring Mill State Park Nature Hike
Spring Mill State Park’s nature hike is on Monday, Jan 1, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
Join the naturalist on this first day of 2024 for a 2.5-mile moderate hike on Trail 3 at 9:00 a.m. Hikers will go through three Nature Preserves, including an Old Growth Forest.
Hikers are asked to meet naturalists in the Donaldson Cave Parking lot just before the hike begins.
11th Annual First Day Trail Run and Walk, Fairfax SRA
Advance registration closes on Saturday, December 30. To register, visit bit.ly/monroefirstday. The cost is $15.Same-day registration is $20 with cash and check only.
Check-in and registration are from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Fairfax SRA: Bay View Shelter.
The walk or run will begin at 3:30 p.m.
This is an untimed, non-competitive run/walk. Choose from a 3.7-mile, 2.9-mile, or 1.3-mile course – and don’t forget to tap the bell and ring in the new year as you cross the finish line.
The FIRST 300 to register in advance get the 100% embroidered, collectible event patch.
All registrations include
- A food station with soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, hot cocoa, and various snacks.
- A ticket for the prize drawing will have tons of great prizes.
- Hundreds of free photos for you to download after the event.
- A large fire to keep you warm while waiting for the start and enjoying food after you finish.
Special note for leisurely walkers: Please be aware that all courses close at 5 p.m. The food station will shut down shortly after that.
Dogs are not encouraged but are permitted. They must be on a 6′ leash or less and are asked to begin the run/walk at the back of the group.
Course Maps
• Long course, 3.7-miles: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/16519698
• Medium course, 2.9-miles: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/47344648
• Short course, 1.3-miles: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/16519720
Contact the Paynetown Activity Center on Monroe Lake at 812-837-9967 or email Jill Vance at jvance@dnr.IN.gov with any questions.
This event is presented by Monroe Lake (an Indiana State Park) and co-sponsored by the Indiana Trail Running Association. Proceeds support public events, programs, and interpretation at Monroe Lake.
Ring in the New Year at Brown County State Park
Park at the Nature Center and hike, bike, or walk the closed road to the CCC Vista. Enjoy a fire and a cup of hot chocolate from the Friends of Brown County State Park at the CCC Picnic Shelter near the Vista.
Start the hike anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Officials will keep the fire and hot chocolate going until 1:30 p.m.
At Hardy Lake in Scottsburg, join the Naturalist from 11:00 a.m. at the Main Trailhead for this 3-mile moderate Hike as those attending travel back in time and learn about the land that would become Hardy Lake.
