PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — People across Pennsylvania can take part in a nationwide outdoor event to start the new year off on the right foot.
The First Day Hike, scheduled for New Year’s Day, gives people all across the country a chance to get out and enjoy nature in a unique and free way.
In Pennsylvania, people can join in 60 guided hikes led by state parks staff and volunteers, at 34 state parks and three forest districts.
“Take the time to connect with our state parks and state forests and learn a little bit about what we have to offer in Pennsylvania, and maybe make it a regular habit,” said Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Press Secretary Wesley Robinson.
“It’s an incredibly biodiverse state, and there’s a lot of things you can see on one of the first day hikes.”
Robinson said that each park offers unique beauty, “even the smallest parks, whether that is the opportunity to bird watch, see the wildlife in the parks, learn more about the flora and the fauna, or just get fresh air.”
He said although this program has been in place for more than a decade, they’re changing things up by adding more guided hiking sessions.
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“Partying or enjoying New Year’s Eve, I might not want to wake up and get out at 10 or 11 a.m. so there’s an opportunity to do some afternoon hikes,” said Robinson.
He said the program is open to hikers of all ages and skill levels.
“The hikes are pretty easy, within a mile or two. They’ll take a couple of hours,” said Robinson.
He adds some of the parks also offer difficult guided trails for more advanced hikers.
Click here for a list of the parks taking part, and here for a statewide schedule of events.