Each of Indiana’s state parks are offering guided hikes on New Year’s Day.

The tradition of “First Day Hikes” started more than 20 years ago at a state park in Massachusetts.  The idea is to get people outdoors and start the year on a healthy note.

State park employees have planned something different for each location.  In the IPR area, two parks are holding hikes on Tuesday, January 1.

• New Castle’s Summit Lake State Park will begin its hike at 11:00 AM at the nature center.  Staff will also offer children’s activities, hot chocolate, and cookies to visitors.
• At Mounds State Park in Anderson, a naturalist will lead hikers on an illuminated evening hike to the mounds, beginning at 5:30 PM at the nature center.  Staff say the hike involves rugged terrain and stairs.