Usher in new year at Indiana State park properties offering First Day Hikes

INDIANA – Usher in 2025 with other outdoor lovers at one of the many First Day Hikes offered on January 1 at Indiana’s state parks and lakes.

First Day Hikes are a healthy way to start the new year. They offer a chance to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature, and connect with friends. 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.

The hikes are listed below. More may be added, so check the website if your favorite place isn’t listed. Make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.

Brookville Lake: Meet at the Campground Shelter at Mounds State Recreation Area at 11 a.m. to hike the Wildlife Wander Trail, a .75-mile hike that should take approximately 45 minutes.
Brown County State Park: Two hikes will be offered. A .25-mile accessible hike on the Friends Trail will take place at 10 a.m. Meet at the park office. Hot chocolate will be available there afterward. A moderate 1.2-mile hike will take place on Trail 7 at noon. Meet at Ogle Lake. A bonfire and treat will be available after the hike at Ogle Lake Picnic Shelter.
Chain O’Lakes State Park: Meet at the boat rental parking lot at 11 a.m. This guided hike is about 1.5 miles over easy terrain and should last about 1.5 hours. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served afterward. A $1 donation for the cookies is suggested.
Charlestown State Park: Meet at the parking lot at 10 a.m. for a 2.5-mile hike to Rose Island on trails 3 and 4. This hike takes approximately two hours and is considered moderately rugged.
Clifty Falls State Park. Meet at Clifty Shelter at 10 a.m. This 1.5-hour moderately rugged hike is on trails 7 and 6, which meander along the east side of Clifty Creek with scenic views of the canyon below. Refreshments will be provided afterward.
Deam Lake State Recreation Area: Meet at the parking lot at the entrance of the campground at 10 a.m. for a 2-mile hike of the Lake Vista Loop. Runners of any level can meet at the same location to complete a 3- or 5-mile loop through the campground and adjacent roads. Hot chocolate and snacks will be provided afterward.
Falls of the Ohio State Park: Meet at the Interpretive Center at 1 p.m. for an exploration hike to the fossil beds. Learn about Devonian sea life as well as plants and animals that live along the river’s edge. Bring binoculars to look for winter birds. The Interpretive Center will offer access to restrooms before and after the hike but will otherwise be closed.
Fort Harrison State Park: Meet at Delaware Lake Shelter at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. for a 2-mile hike on Harrison Trace, a paved trail. Hot chocolate will be provided at noon.
Hardy Lake: Meet at the main trailhead for an easy ¾ -mile introductory birding hike at 11 a.m.
Harmonie State Park: Meet at the campground overflow parking lot at 1 p.m. CT for a hike of Trail 5. Hot cocoa and cookies will be available afterward, and donations are welcome.
Indiana Dunes State Park: Meet at the City West Shelter for a 2-mile-long loop along the beach and Trail 7 starting at 10 a.m. Enjoy snacks and a cozy campfire provided by Friends of the Indiana Dunes.
Interlake Off-Road State Recreation Area: Participants must provide their own ORV. All ORV rules and regulations apply. Interlake will be open, and participants can stop in the office to purchase their 2025 ORV pass.
Lieber State Recreation Area: Meet at the campground parking lot for a 1.5-mile hike at 10 a.m. on the newest trail at Lieber SRA. Hot chocolate, cookies and a warm fire will be available afterward at the Nature Center.
Lincoln State Park: Meet at the Nature Center at noon CT for a hike across the dam to the Civilian Conservation Corps camp at the front of the property. The hike will showcase the CCC’s lasting impact on the park.
McCormick’s Creek State Park: Meet at Centennial Shelter for hot chocolate and cookies, then hike along the Echo Canyon Trail at your own pace. The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m.
Mississinewa Lake: Join Upper Wabash Interpretive Services staff at 10 a.m. for a 1-mile stroll through the woods. Dress for the weather. Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome. Advance registration is requested by calling 260-468-2127.
Monroe Lake: Meet at the Bay View Shelter in Fairfax State Recreation Area for the annual First Day Trail Run/Walk. Check-in begins at 2:15 p.m. Races will begin at 3:30 p.m. Participants can choose from a 1.3-, 2.9-, or 3.7-mile course. Advance registration is available through Dec. 30 for $15 at bit.ly/monroefirstday. Same-day registration is $20, cash or check only. Hot chocolate, snacks, and food will be available until event ends at 5 p.m.
Mounds State Park: Meet at the Nature Center at 5:30 p.m. for a guided a hike to the Great Mound. The hike is along the paved accessible path and lasts approximately 45 minutes. The Nature Center will open at 4:30 p.m. to welcome hikers.
O’Bannon Woods State Park: Join the park staff at Wyandotte Woods State Recreation Area at 10 a.m. for a half-hour tour of Little Wyandotte Cave.
Ouabache State Park: Meet at the bison enclosure parking lot at 10 a.m. for a hike around the bison enclosure. The hike is on a mostly level gravel surface and includes a stop at the feeding station to observe the bison up close.
Patoka Lake: Meet at the Nature Center at noon for a .6-mile hike of Trail 4. Hot chocolate will be available afterward.
Pokagon State Park: Enjoy a 2.5-mile hike through the park’s beautiful winter landscapes. The hike will begin at the CCC Shelter at 9 a.m. Refreshments provided by the Friends of Pokagon will be available after the hike at the CCC Shelter. Parking is available in the main beach and CCC Shelter parking lots.
Potato Creek State Park: Meet at 2 p.m. at the Nature Center for a 1-mile moderate hike on Trail 1, then warm up around the fire with s’mores and hot drinks. Bring binoculars in hopes of seeing eagles and other wildlife.
Prophetstown State Park: Meet at the Coneflower Shelter in Prairie View Picnic Area at 1 p.m. for an easy 2-mile hike.
Raccoon State Recreation Area: Meet at 1 p.m. at the beach house for a hike about some of the history hidden in plain sight around the beach area.
Redbird Off-Road State Recreation Area: Meet at the office at 11 a.m. for a motorized “hike.”
Shades State Park: Meet at Hickory Shelter at 11 a.m. for a rugged hike of Trail 1, which will include Devil’s Punch Bowl, Silver Cascade Falls, and Prospect Point. Come a few minutes early for a warm beverage and a treat.
Salamonie Lake: Hike along Salamonie Lake’s Tree Trail and enjoy s’mores afterward. Meet at the Interpretive Center at 4:30 p.m. Advance registration is requested by calling 260-468-2127.
Shakamak State Park: Meet at the Historic Log Cabin for a hike at 1 p.m. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided afterward.
Spring Mill State Park: Meet at Spring Mill Inn at 9 a.m. for a 1.5-hour hike through three nature preserves. Meet at Gus Grissom Memorial parking lot at 10 a.m. for a .25-mile accessible hike on Trail 6 with great views of the karst landscape. Afterward, meet at Spring Mill Inn for hot chocolate and snacks in the Lakeview Room.
Starve Hollow State Recreation Area: Meet at the Forest Education Center at 2 p.m. for a hike around the campground and lake’s edge. Hot chocolate will be provided.
Summit Lake State Park: Meet at the park office at 9 a.m. to enjoy coffee and snacks. At 10 a.m., join park staff for a prairie hike.
Tippecanoe River State Park: Meet at the fire tower parking lot at 11 a.m. for this .5-mile hike, which will include a talk on the history of the fire tower and its preservation.
Turkey Run State Park: Meet at the Turkey Run Inn lobby at 11 a.m. for a guided hike through Rocky Hollow. Hiking boots are recommended. Warm beverages and treats will be provided in the Strauss Room of the inn at 10 a.m.
Versailles State Park: Meet at the Oak Grove Shelter parking lot at 10 a.m. for a challenging 3-mile hike of Trail 1. Refreshments provided afterward at Oak Grove Shelter.
Whitewater Memorial State Park: Meet at Poplar Grove Shelter at 2 p.m. for a 2.5-mile hike of the Memorial Loop Trail that should take approximately 90 minutes.