Why not start 2020 with a healthy hike?
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is encouraging residents to join together during a series of guided hikes in 39 state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.
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The following Pennsylvania state parks are participating during daylight hours on January 1:
Bald Eagle, Beltzville, Black Moshannon, Blue Knob, Caledonia, Canoe Creek, Codorus, Colonel Denning, Cook Forest, Cowans Gap, Delaware Canal, Gifford Pinchot, Greenwood Furnace, Hills Creek, Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, Jennings Environmental Education Center, Keystone, Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, Kinzua Bridge, Lackawanna, Laurel Hill, Lehigh Gorge, Little Buffalo, Lyman Run, Marsh Creek, Moraine, Nescopeck, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Ohiopyle, Parker Dam, Pine Grove Furnace, Prince Gallitzin, Pymatuning, Racoon Creek, R.B. Winter, Shawnee, Sinnemahoning, and Trough Creek.
The closest guided First Day Hike travels 4 miles and starts at Delaware Canal State Park, which runs from Bristol Borough to Easton, in Solebury. Registration is not required, but more information can be found on the state parks website.
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“This is DCNR’s largest offering of hikes to date: a total of 45 hikes designed to remind people our state parks and forests are open for healthy outdoor adventures in all four seasons, including winter,” said state parks Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “They are a great way to make a resolution to enjoy nature and get more exercise.”
Last year, there were 2,949 people and 134 dogs that walked more than 7,755 miles at state parks as part of organized January 1 walks.
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Since the National Association of State Park Directors organized the First Day Hikes in 2012, parks in all 50 states have taken part.
“On January 1, grab your family and friends, lace up those boots and seek out a new adventure at a state park. Friendly staff and spectacular views will surely be waiting for you,” said National Association of State Park Directors President Linda Lanterman.
While there are not planned guided hikes, Neshaminy State Park in Bristol Township and Bensalem; Tyler State Park in Newtown Township, Northampton, and Wrightstown; and Washington Crossing Historic Park in Upper Makefield and Solebury all provide hiking trails in Lower Bucks County. In addition, there are multiple county – Silver Lake Nature Center in Bristol Township, Core Creek Park in Middletown, Playwicki Park in Middletown – and municipal parks – Falls Township Community Park, Middletown Community Park, and Clark Nature Center in Newtown Township – that offer similar opportunities.
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