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

Find a hike near you!

INDIANAPOLIS – Hoosiers are encouraged to usher in 2024 with First Day Hikes.

Indiana state parks and lakes will offer First Day Hikes on January 1 to promote a healthy start to the new year.

First Day Hikes offer a chance to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature, and connect with friends.

Local First Day Hikes include:

• Brookville Lake – Meet at the Campground Shelter at Mounds State Recreation Area at 11:00 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 10:00 a.m. The two-hour moderately rugged hike is along Trail 8, which meanders along the west side of Clifty Creek and provides scenic views of the canyon below. Refreshments will be provided after the hike.
• Versailles State Park – Meet at the Mountain Bike trailhead at 11:00 a.m. for a challenging 3.8-mile hike on the Shadow Run Mountain Bike Trail. Refreshments provided afterward at Trailside 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. 

Find a hike near you at on.IN.gov/INStateParkEvents.