Usher in 2024 with other outdoor lovers at one of the many First Day Hikes offered Jan. 1 at Indiana’s state parks and lakes.

Find one near you at on.IN.gov/INStateParkEvents.

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. 

In addition to the hikes, Indiana state park inns will be open for meals. Abe Martin Lodge at Brown County State Park, Clifty Inn at Clifty Falls State Park, Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park, and Turkey Run Inn at Turkey Run State Park will have a brunch beginning at 10 a.m. The Garrison at Fort Harrison State Park and Canyon Inn at McCormick’s Creek State Park invite hungry hikers to check out their great salad bars. More information is at IndianaInns.com.

Make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes on all hikes and dress for the weather.  

• Brown County State Park. First Day hike and ride are available. The self-guided hike will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Start at the Nature Center and walk or bike to the CCC Vista. There will be a fire and hot chocolate nearby. Horseback riders can enjoy a group ride at 11 a.m., meeting at the Green Horne Shelter.

• Lieber State Recreation Area. Meet at the Hilltop Shelter for a 1-mile hike at 10 a.m. Bring binoculars for birdwatching. Hot chocolate, cookies and a warm fire will be available afterward. 
   

• McCormick’s Creek State Park. Two hikes, one rugged and one moderate, will be offered. Meet at Canyon Inn at 11 a.m. for a hike of Trail 4 (rugged). Meet at Canyon Inn at 2 p.m. for a moderate hike to the waterfall. There will also be a photo contest from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Multiple age categories will be judged anonymously by a volunteer panel. Each winner will receive a 2024 annual entrance pass. Registration card will include submission instructions.
  
   
• Raccoon State Recreation Area. Meet at 1 p.m. at the Payne Shelterhouse for a hike of Trail 1.
   

• Shades State Park. Meet at 2 p.m. for a rugged hike of Trail 1.
   

• Turkey Run State Park. Meet at the nature center at 2 p.m. for a guided hike on the “Best Trail in the Midwest” (Trail 3). Learn about some of Turkey Run's geology along the way on this very rugged trail. Bundle up and bring plenty of water.