Step into new year with first day hike in great outdoors

Celebrate the new year, by stepping into the outdoors with a First Day Hike. The Wisconsin DNR joins in the annual adventure, sponsored by America’s State Parks, New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2022, for the 11th year in a row.

Each year, Wisconsinites join the thousands of people across the nation, to kick off the new year, by hiking at state parks, forests or trails on New Year’s Day. These hikes provide a way for individuals and families to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature.

For many it has become a cherished tradition. “Getting active outdoors through hiking or other forms of winter recreation, is a great way to connect with family and friends in a healthy way,” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Park and Recreation Management Program Bureau director.

With more than 22 million visitors, Wisconsin state parks, forests and trails, feature some of the Midwest’s best scenery. The change in seasons doesn’t mean an end to exploring the outdoors.

Guided hikes will be available at several properties across the state, but participants are also welcome to create their own first day hikes, by exploring Wisconsin’s state parks open year-round, each offering a variety of scenic winter hiking opportunities to explore.

First day hike participants are invited to share their adventures, using the hashtags #OutWiGo and #FirstDayHike on Instagram.

Additional opportunities to hike by moonlight or candlelight trails will be held throughout the winter. For a complete listing of first day hikes and candlelight events, visit dnr. wisconsin.gov.

Properties may have restroom facilities and warming shelters available during these events. To help slow the spread of COVID-19, visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing and wear a face covering, if social distancing cannot be followed.

A vehicle admission sticker is required to visit state park system properties. Stickers can be purchased online, inperson at individual state parks, by phone by calling a local state park property office directly during office hours (credit cards accepted) or in-person at DNR service centers.