DES MOINES – What’s the best way to spend New Year’s Day? Take a First Day Hike in an Iowa state park or forest! More than 40 parks are hosting either a guided group hike or suggesting a self-guided hike. Hikers can expect to experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks.
“We are excited to host First Day Hikes again, showcasing the quiet beauty of Iowa state parks and forests in winter,” said Sherry Arntzen, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau. “These hikes are a great way to get outside, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.”
Staff and volunteers will lead free, guided First Day Hikes in 23 participating state parks. Hikes will average one to three miles, depending on location. Some park Friends Groups will be hosting snacks and hot beverages. Additionally, 21 parks and forests are recommending trails for hikers to explore on their own.
Locally, the following hikes will be offered:
Guided Hikes
Lake Wapello State Park
Meeting Location: Park Office
Park Address: 15356 Campground Rd, Drakesville, IA 52552
Description: This 1.5-mile hike begins at the park office, proceeding west behind the building to the trailhead. We will then head to the lakeshore and follow it eastward to the dam. Once we cross the dam, we will turn around and head back to the office. This hike is for all ages, and participants are invited to enjoy hot chocolate at the office immediately following the hike.
Contact: (641) 722-3371
Self-Guided Hikes
Elk Rock State Park
Meeting Location: Campground check-in station
Park Address: 811 146th Ave., Knoxville, IA 50138
Description: Enjoy a self-guided hike along a 1.7-mile, all-weather trail traveling along forest edges and native prairie edges. The hike is a flat, rocked trail. Dress for the weather.
Contact: (641) 842-6008
Lake Keomah State Park
Parking Location: Park at the campground
Park Address: 2720 Keomah Lane, Oskaloosa, IA 52577
Description: Enjoy this ¾ mile out and back hike to the beach house. Park at campground, enter trail near site 37 and walk down the hill and across the road. Follow the trail along the lakeshore. You will be able to see the work being done to restore the lake.
Contact: (641) 673-6975
Honey Creek State Park
Meeting Location: North campground at the end of tent road loops
Park Address: 12194 Honey Creek Pl., Moravia, IA 52571
Description: A down-and-back 2-mile route along the shoreline of Honey Creek Bay. Trailhead is located at the tent loops in the North Campground. Discover peaceful views of Lake Rathbun amidst the oak and hickory forest. The trail is a dirt path.
Contact: (641) 724-3739
Complete details about Iowa’s First Day Hikes can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes. To see a comprehensive national map of First Day Hikes, visit https://www.stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes/
