Start the New Year off Right... Outside!

Photo Credit - Sj-r.com

I along with a few of our Hiking Forward Correspondents are taking to the woods on January 1st to help in leading New Year's Day hikes. This is a great way to start the year off outside and help those around you to enjoy what nature has to offer all us on day one.

I will be leading my local Sierra Club's Stone Soup Hike in Central Illinois. Everyone brings something for the two pots (one vegetarian and one meat). The soup simmers over open fires as we all hike. When we return we share in the soup, fellowship and great conversation. The hike has continued to grow each year and become a family tradition for many. 

Nkrumah Frazier

According to the National Association of State Parks Directors almost 28000 participated in First Day Hikes throughout America's state parks hiking over 66,000 miles total. The family nature club that I started in 2012 has held a First Day Hike annually since it's inception. This year is no exception, on January 1st I will be leading a First Day Hike with the South Mississippi Family Nature Club along the Black Creek Hiking Trail.  

Peter Dargatz

First Day Hike – Friday, January 1st, 2016 – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Hosted by the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance

Get outdoors and begin the New Year with a hike at Lapham Peak. First Day hikes take place throughout the nation.  Be part of this celebration of the country’s parks and trails. This moderate level family friendly hike will be about 3 to 4 miles in length. Dress for the weather. Bring snowshoes and hiking poles if you wish. Park fees will be waived for the day. The hike will begin from the Hausmann Nature Center parking lot. Warm up with hot beverages and snacks at the Center afterwards.

Are you planning on hiking on the 1st day of the year? Comment below and let us know where you are hiking.

Keep Hiking Forward!

Scott