More than 40 free, guided hikes will take place on trails in Missouri state parks and historic sites throughout the state on Jan. 1.  The effort is a part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes, which gives guests the opportunity to start the year of right with a healthy hike.

“First Day Hikes give families a fun way to begin the New Year by getting active, connecting with the outdoors and participating in a tradition of hiking on January 1,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “We hope that this hike on the first day of 2015 will be one of many outdoor adventures our guests will enjoy throughout the year.”

As a part of the national effort, people from all 50 states are expected to join to celebrate the New Year with a hike in a state park.  In Missouri, the guided hikes range from a half mile to four miles and are taking place on trails varying from thick forests to the open prairie.

Missouri State Parks guests were among the more than 22,300 Missourians who completed nearly 3 million miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles Challenge.  In 2014, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon kicked off the second year of the challenge, which celebrates Missouri’s award winning trails and encourages Missourians to enjoy the outdoors. The third year of the challenge begins in 2015.

A list of state parks with guided hikes on Jan. 1 is available at mostateparks.com/page/59235/first-day-hikes.

Visitors planning on enjoying a First Day Hike in Missouri State Parks should dress appropriately for the weather.  Many parks and sites require participants to register in advance.  For more information on First Day Hikes, as well as all Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. For information on the First Day Hikes initiative across the nation, visit americasstateparks.org. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

(Courtesy of Missouri Department of Natural Resources)

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