State Park Properties to Offer First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day

Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 10:54 AM

By Travis Thayer @eagle993

You can find a local hike in Brookville, Madison, and Versailles.

Photo provided.

(Versailles, Ind.) – Usher in 2025 with other outdoor lovers at one of the many First Day Hikes offered on January 1 at Indiana’s state parks and lakes.

First Day Hikes are a healthy way to start the new year. They offer a chance to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature, and connect with friends.

See a list of local First Day Hikes below:

Brookville Lake - Meet at the Campground Shelter at Mounds State Recreation Area at 11 a.m. to hike the Wildlife Wander Trail, a .75-mile hike that should take approximately 45 minutes.
Clifty Falls State Park - Meet at Clifty Shelter at 10 a.m. This 1.5-hour moderately rugged hike is on trails 7 and 6, which meander along the east side of Clifty Creek with scenic views of the canyon below. Refreshments will be provided afterward.
Versailles State Park - Meet at the Oak Grove Shelter parking lot for a challenging 3-mile hike of Trail 1. Refreshments provided afterward at Oak Grove Shelter.

The hikes are organized by Indiana State Parks in cooperation with America’s State Parks. They will take place in all 50 states. First Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Massachusetts. The program was launched to foster healthy lifestyles and promote year-round recreation at state parks. For more information, visit America’s State Parks website at stateparks.org.