South Dakota -(Ammoland.com)- Make a New Year’s resolution to your health and happiness by kicking off 2016 with an invigorating First Day Hike at a state park near you.
On January 1, all 50 states will be participating in the fifth annual national event that encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with a guided outdoor exploration.
“First Day Hikes are a great way to start off the year after celebrating the holidays,” said South Dakota state park acting director Bob Schneider. “South Dakota is offering a variety of hikes to choose from statewide.”
The sponsored hikes range from less than one mile journeys to longer, more intense workouts, depending on the state and terrain. South Dakota is offering 11 hikes across the state.
- New Year’s Riddle Hike, Newton Hills State Park near Canton, all day
- First Day Bird Hike, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton, 10 a.m. CT
- First Day Hike, Lake Louise Recreation Area near Miller, 10 a.m. CT
- First Day Hike, Custer State Park, 10 a.m. MT
- First Day Hike, Oakwood Lakes State Park near Brookings, 1 p.m. CT
- First Day Snowshoe Hike, Fort Sisseton Historic State Park near Lake City, 1 p.m. CT
Tracking in the New Year, Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve near North Sioux City, 1 p.m. CT - First Day Snowshoe Hike, George S. Mickelson Trail, 1 p.m. MT
- Birdwatcher’s Hike, Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs, 1 p.m. MT
- First Day Snowshoe Hike, Lake Herman State Park near Madison, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. CT
- Winter Wonderland Nature Hike, Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon, 2 p.m. CT
- First Day Hikes originated more than 25 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation – a state park in Milton, Massachusetts. Last year, more than 41,000 people covered over 79,000 miles on 997 hikes across the country.
This year’s event coincides with the National Park Service’s Centennial, a celebration of the 100 years of stewardship of natural resources in state and national parks. State parks across the country are encouraging Park Service staff to join in on the First Day Hikes.
All participants are encouraged to log their adventures on social media with #FirstDayHikes.