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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Sun expected for Iowa’s ‘First Day Hikes’ at state parks
There are 19 guided hikes planned for New Year’s Day
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Mostly sunny conditions are expected Wednesday for the state-organized First Day Hikes at Iowa state parks and forests.
The annual New Year's Day events are hosted by staff and volunteers of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, depending on the weather.
They were canceled in 2018 due to below-zero-degree temperatures. But this year, much of Eastern Iowa will have high temperatures in the upper 20s, according to the National Weather Service.
The Iowa DNR is hosting guided hikes at 19 parks. An additional 26 state parks or forests are offering staff-picked self-guided hikes.
Guided hikes Wednesday in Eastern Iowa include:
- 9 a.m. at Backbone State Park, 1282 120th St., near Dundee: A roughly 1.5-mile route on two trails with great views and rock formations.
- 1 p.m. at Cedar Rock State Park, 2611 Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd., near Independence: A 1-mile hike that is mostly flat grass and gravel trails.
- 9 a.m. at Lake Macbride State Park, 3525 Highway 382 NE, near Solon: A 2.5-mile, mostly flat hike of the Beach to Dam Trail.
- Noon at Palisades-Kepler State Park, 700 Kepler Dr., near Mount Vernon: A 1-mile hike to a dam overlook.
- 11 a.m. at Pikes Peak State Park, 15316 Great River Road, near McGregor: A 2.5-mile hike with steep sections that starts at the stone shelter and goes to Bridal Veil Falls.
- 1 p.m. at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area, 4530 McClintock Road, near Palo: Pleasant Creek Runners host a leisurely hike, walk or run.
- 9 a.m. at Yellow River State Forest, 729 State Forest Road, near Harpers Ferry: A 3-mile hike that starts at the Firetower Cabin.
Hot chocolate and snacks are provided at some of the parks. No RSVP is required.
Comments: (319) 368-8541; jared.strong@thegazette.com
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