First Day Hikes

First Day hikes, always scheduled for New Year's Day, are a great way to shake out the New Year's Eve cobwebs and hit the trails for some brisk hiking.  It's fun to get out to a favorite trail and see the beauty that winter hiking reveals in the stark landscapes. Or you can join a guided hike!

Many state parks sponsor guided hikes/snowshoe events and activities on that day. It's a great way to meet other winter enthusiasts and discover all that winter outdoor play has to offer in the beautiful woods and state parks. 

The American Hiking Society has a great page of information with links to other websites. 

In the Driftless, we have some excellent guided hike options including:

• Perrot State Park. WI               9:30-11:00 am  Guided Hike
• Whitewater State Park, MN    2:00-3:00pm       Guided Hike
• Frontenac State Park, MN      11 am -2:00 pm   Self- Guided Hikes (Hot chocolate and warm fire thanks to their Friends group!))
• Yellow River State Forest, IA   9:00-11:00 am   Guided Hike

Find additional lists of first day hikes at these Driftless state park websites:  MN DNR; WI DNR (search words: First Day Hike); IA DNR

You can find more information at the America's State Parks website. And you can go anywhere for your hikes

Where will your first day hike be? See you on the trails!

Image - Lloyd Lorenz