The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites Iowans to begin the new year outdoors by joining in one of its traditional “First Day Hikes” at parks throughout the state. On Jan. 1, 23 parks are offering guided hikes, and another 21 parks will have pre-planned self-guided routes for Iowans to explore on their own. As for options in the region, Lake Anita State Park’s hike in Cass County will begin at 10 a.m. from the east side of the beach parking lot, ranging from as short as a third of a mile to nearly 4.5 miles. Ledges State Park in Boone County also kicks off their New Year’s hike at 10 a.m. from the Oak Wood Picnic Area. Loess Hills State Forest in Harrison County’s Little Sioux starts at 10 a.m. from Little Sioux Scout Ranch, with a short route, 3.1 miles, and a long route, 6.1 miles. Springbrook State Park in Guthrie County will start their hike at 1 p.m. from the park office with a two-mile hike to begin the year’s celebration of the park’s 100th anniversary. Shelby County’s Prairie Rose State Park has a two-mile afternoon hike planned, starting at 2 p.m. from the park office. As for the self-guided tours, Black Hawk State Park’s route in Sac County will have participants take the 1.5-mile Stubb Severson Nature Trail. For more information on DNR’s First Day Hikes, follow the link included below.
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