Iowa State Parks Hosting First Day Hikes

New Year’s is just three weeks away – and the Iowa DNR is encouraging you to make plans to take a First Day Hike.

More than 40 state parks are hosting either a guided group hike or suggesting a self-guided hike on January 1st. 

Sherry Arntzen, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau, says these hikes are a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

Staff and volunteers will lead free, guided First Day Hikes in 26 participating state parks. Some hikes will include wildlife viewing and hot beverages. Hikes will average one to two miles, or longer, depending on location.

Backbone State Park’s First Day Hike will take place at 9 am on New Year’s Day, meeting at the old shop just east of the East Gate park entrance. You can join a 1 to 1.5-mile hike from the office area down the Bluebird Trail to the east gate and walk down the road to the Backbone Trail. If there is no snow or ice, the group will venture down the trail for the breathtaking views and amazing rock formations that Backbone is known for. If the trail is deemed too slick, they’ll stick to the road. Dress for the weather. No RSVP necessary – if you have questions call the Park Office at 563-924-2527.

Details about all of the hikes can be found at iowadnr.gov.