First Day Hikes will be held Jan. 1 in 18 Alabama state parks as part of a nationwide effort to get people outdoors.
The hikes are free with daily state park admission fees, where applicable. Reservations must be made.
“The First Day Hikes are the perfect way to start the new year,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner. “Our state parks are home to hundreds of miles of the very best trails found anywhere in America. First Day Hikes are a chance to start the new year off right. For anyone who’s never been on a First Day Hike at an Alabama State Park, consider this your invitation. We want to see you on the trails this year.”
Among the area state parks hosting hikes this year are Monte Sano in Huntsville, Guntersville and Buck’s Pocket in Guntersville, DeSoto near Fort Payne, Joe Wheeler in Rogersville and Cathedral Caverns in Grant. Alabama has two dozen parks within its system, from small day-use parks to resorts such as Guntersville, Eufaula and Gulf state parks. They host a variety of events for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, wildlife watching and more.
The hikes began in Massachusetts in 1992. The program expanded nationwide in 2012 and has continued to grow.
Check here for more information about the parks, specific hikes, times and registration links.
