First Day Hikes planned Jan 1st in nine Missouri State Parks

This year Missouri State Parks is promoting the national First Day Hikes program with guided hikes in nine Missouri State Parks.

Bill Bryan, Director of Missouri State Parks, said:

First Day Hikes logo

We're excited to host First Day Hikes in Missouri state parks as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks Hikes offer great ways to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

I hope you'll take this opportunity to start the new year with a new tradition for your friends and family and take a hike in a Missouri state park. If you are not able to attend one of our guided hikes, you can still take advantage of the numerous trails throughout our state park system.

The Missouri State Parks web site gives details about the program and the locations of the guided hikes:

Start the new year off on the right foot by taking a guided hike in one of Missouri's state parks! This is your chance to discover the wonders of the outdoors during the winter and make good on your resolution to get more excercise. First Day Hikes is a program promoted by America's State Parks. This year, all 50 states are offering First Day Hikes. For more information, visit http://www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes.

Nine of Missouri's state parks are offering First Day Hikes. Plan to attend one in your area! Click on the park name for more information about their hike.

PARK	MEETING LOCATION	TIME
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Wildwood	Virginia Day Memorial Trail trailhead	2:30 p.m.
Crowder State Park, Trenton	Red Bud Trail trailhead in the special-use area	1 p.m.
Graham Cave State Park, Danville	Park office	Noon
Pomme de Terre State Park, Pittsburg	Pittsburg area campground entrance, trail kiosk	10 a.m.
Prairie State Park, Mindenmines	Nature Center	10 a.m.
Roaring River State Park, Cassville	Devil's Kitchen Trail trailhead	Noon
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park,Columbia	Devil's Icebox parking lot	12:45 p.m.
Trail of Tears State Park, Jackson	Visitor Center	1 p.m.
Washington State Park, De Soto	Thunderbird Lodge	2 p.m.