Maine State Parks to Celebrate the New Year with First Day Hikes Across the State

Looking to do something fun with the family on New Year's Day? Why not take a family friendly trek through a nearby state park?

You can! The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands will sponsor free, guided hikes in five state parks on New Year's Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.

That initiative, held in all 50 states, offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2014 at a state park.
Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the state park.

First Day Hikes will be offered at the following locations and times:

Lily Bay State Park, Beaver Cove - 12 noon - Leisurely 1-hour ranger led hike along the shore of Moosehead Lake to investigate the wonders of the season. FMI: (207) 695-2700

Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg - 1:30 p.m. - Easy 1-mile hike on the Fox Island tombolo investigating tidal pools. FMI: (207) 389-1335

Range Ponds State Park, Poland - 12:30 p.m. - 1.5 mile ranger lead hike on our interpretive trail and along the beach; the trail is easy with one short hill. FMI: (207) 998-4104

Sebago Lake State Park, Casco - 10:30 a.m. - 1.5 mile woodlands hike. Snacks will be provided and hikers should wear warm clothes and sturdy foot wear. Snowshoes are a good idea if people have them.  FMI: (207) 693-6231

Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park - 10:00 a.m. - 0.3 mile guided walk to enjoy ‘Winter in the Woods' and learn how plants and animals survive the cold winter months. The program length is approximately 1 hour in length. FMI: (207) 865-4465.

According to the National Association of State Parks Directors, last year's national event has 22,000 participants who hiked 43,911 miles in our state parks across the country.