First Day Hikes is a program of free, guided hikes offered by the fifty state park systems of the United States each year on New Year's Day. The hikes are intended to promote an alternate way of celebrating the new year by going outside, getting some exercise, and experience local nature and history. In the Middle Mississippi River Valley state parks in Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas participate in the program.
FIRST DAY HIKES
The hikes are listed from north to south in general geographic order.
Babler State Park First Day Hike
Wildwood, Missouri
On this winter wonderland hike with a park naturalist , you may see some wildlife such as deer, groundhogs, birds, and squirrels at Babler State Park. The 1 1/4 mile hike on the Hawthorne Trail that runs along a ridge top offering a fairly flat walking surface and a view of Wildhorse Creek valley that contains a diversity of geology found nowhere else in the park. The hike will last approximately an hour and a half.
Hawn State Park First Day Hike
Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri
Join the staff at Hawn State Park at the Whispering Pines trailhead in the day-use area for a 4-mile hike over the highest points of the park. This rugged hike with scenic views goes through mixed hardwood and shortleaf pine woodlands and along sandstone bluffs and hills. Deer, wild turkey and owls may be seen and heard along the way.
Reelfoot Lake State Park First Day Hike
Tiptonville, Tennessee
Reelfoot Lake State Park wants you to join Ranger Jake Viamonte with the first hike of the year. This hike was designed by Tennessee State Parks to encourage people to get out and hike. While hiking at Reelfoot Lake State Park, you can possibly see Eagles flying over, ice formations at Kiwanis Park, snow geese and ducks roosting at Long Point or Black Bayou, great for photography!! Reelfoot Lake is a major wintering ground for thousands of ducks, geese, and hundreds of Bald Eagles. On this hike we will explore areas where these birds are concentrated during the evening hours as they come in to roost. If you want to watch the sky alive with waterfowl you don't want to miss the First Day Hike!
Crowley's Ridge State Park First Day Hike
Crowley's Ridge State Park
Paragould, Arkansas
Start your new year with a warm story about animals in winter while taking a stroll of Lake Ponder Trail. Join a park interpreter in a read aloud of A Warm Winter Tail by Carrie A. Pearson, which is on our Story Walk display. This story is appropriate for kids ages 4-7, but everybody is welcome.
Fort Pillow State Park First Day Hike
Henning, Tennessee
Join the Fort Pillow State Park staff for this annual First Day Hike to kick off the New Year in a healthy fashion. Meet at the park museum to start a hike on the 5-mile Yellow Trail. There will be hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks available before the hike. Bring the proper clothing for the weather as well as footwear and water.
Parkin Archeological State Park First Day Hike
Parkin, Arkansas
Start off the new year by joining a Park Interpreter on an easy ADA accessible 3/4-mile walking trail for an interpretive tour to learn about the Mississippians of Casqui at Parkin Archeological State Park. See where they lived and hear their story.
Village Creek State Park First Day Hike
Wynne, Arkansas
Whether you are wanting to get a head start on those fitness resolutions, nature-watch, or simply enjoy a day with friends and family, First Day Hikes have something for you. Meet the park interpreter at the Old Military Road trailhead for a guided. This 2.25-mile trail is moderately strenuous and will take around 2 hours to hike. Please wear proper shoes for walking, bring water, and dress warmly for your hike.
