STATEWIDE — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is encouraging Hoosiers to ring in 2022 with a First Day hike.
Guided hikes will take place at nearly all Indiana state parks, lakes, and forests on New Year’s Day.
First Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Massachusetts.
The program was launched to foster healthy lifestyles and promote year-round recreation at state parks.
First Day events around Southeastern Indiana include the following:
- Brookville Lake. Meet at 4 p.m. at the Campground Shelter at Miami State Recreation Area, which is across from the Wildlife Wander Trail. The hike is 0.7 miles, rated easy, and should last about 45 minutes. There will be a campfire after the hike.
- Clifty Falls State Park. Meet at the Clifty Shelter at 2 p.m. for a two-hour moderately rugged hike along Trail 8. This trail meanders along the west side of Clifty Creek and offers scenic views of the canyon below. Water and cookies will be provided before the hike. The restroom at Clifty Shelter will be closed for the winter, so plan ahead.
- Mounds State Park. Meet at the Nature Center Front Porch before 5:30 p.m. for warm beverages. At 5:30 p.m. will be a .25-mile easy hike lasting about 45 minutes along an illuminated trail.
- Versailles State Park. Meet at the Oak Grove parking lot at 1 p.m. for a 2.5-mile moderately difficult hike on Trail 1. Refreshments will be provided.
- Whitewater Memorial State Park. Meet at the Poplar Grove Shelter at 2 p.m. for a 2.5-mile hike of the Memorial Loop Trail, which should last about 90 minutes.
Visit dnr.in.gov for more information.
