Family-Outdoors

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Pike Lake Unit near Hartford Wisconsin.  MADISON -- Anyone looking to start their New Year's resolution for better health can start the year off on the right foot by participating in any of 10 First Day Hikes that will be held at Wisconsin State Park properties on January 1. On a First Day Hike, visitors can enjoy walks through diverse, beautiful natural areas, led by park rangers or volunteers. Most hikes include additional activities such as campfires, naturalist guides, wildlife tracking, and hot beverages after the hike. Hikers gather for a group photo at a 2014 First Day Hike at the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Photo Credit: WDNR All 50 states are participating in the fifth annual event that invites families and friends to celebrate the New Year amid the sights, sounds and wonder of our natural world with fun, guided hikes. On Jan. 1, 2015, 507 participants hiked 1,191 miles at 10 different Wisconsin state park ...

DES MOINES―Ring in the New Year by taking a hike in an Iowa state park. Three Iowa state parks are participating in the national First Day Hikes event held in all 50 states Jan. 1. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on Jan. 1, 2012, at a state park. “This is a good opportunity for Iowans to start the year off by reconnecting with their state park during a time of year when most of our visitors are staying inside,” said Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau. “Parks offer a completely different experience in the winter, from hiking or skiing on our trails, to ice fishing and even winter camping.” The DNR has events planned at Walnut Woods, near Des Moines, Dolliver in Webster County and Mines of Spain near Dubuque. Participants should dress for the weather and may want to bring binoculars, a...