116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Guided First Day hikes offered in 17 Iowa state parks
Jan. 1 forecast includes temperatures in the mid 30s to low 40s, low chance of snow or rain in Eastern Iowa
The Friends of Palisades-Kepler State Park hope relatively warm weather on Jan. 1 will mean they can set a record for the number of people attending a First Day hike at the state park in Mount Vernon.
“This is what happens when perfect weather and the Friends' First Day Hike come together,” the group posted on its Facebook page, showing photos from the Jan. 1, 2020, hike. “Join us for this year: 1/1/2023 12pm ~ 2pm. The lodge will be open, the fire burning, refreshments and s'mores waiting.”
Palisades-Kepler is one of 17 Iowa state parks and recreation areas offering guided tours Sunday as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources First Day Hike promotion.
But if you visit any state park starting Friday through Sunday — and log it through the online State Park Passport — you will be entered into a drawing for a free two-night stay at a cabin at Pine Lake State Park near Eldora.
The First Day hikes are intended to get Iowans outdoors on the first day of the year, a time when many people are setting resolutions for health — either mental or physical. Some park staff or volunteers are offering extras, such as birding tips, camp fires, cocoa or s’mores for these family-friendly events.
The National Weather Service of the Quad Cities forecasts temperatures in the mid 30s to low 40s for New Year’s Day in Eastern Iowa, with low precipitation chances. If you do hike, boots might be useful because after the recent snow, the ground might be slushy or muddy.
Palisades-Kepler, established in 1922, has five miles of rugged trails, many with views of the Cedar River. There also are deep ravines, hardwood forest, Native American Indian mounds and stone buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
For a full list of guided hikes across the state, check here. Eastern Iowa hikes are below.
Backbone State Park, Dundee: 10 a.m. for one-mile nature hike and wildlife viewing on the Bluebird Trail. Meet at Old Shop just east of the East Park entrance, RSVP to the office at (563) 924-2527.
Cedar Rock State Park, Independence: 1 p.m. for easy to moderate one-mile nature hike around Cedar Rock. Meet at Park Visitor Center, contact (319) 934-3572 or cedar_rock@dnr.iowa.gov
Maquoketa Caves State Park, Maquoketa: 9 a.m. for moderate hike around the woodland trail and under the natural bridge. Meet at lower shelter house. If it is snowing or raining, hike will not be guided. For more information call (563) 652-5833 or go to https://www.facebook.com/maqcavesfriends/
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area, Dubuque: Noon walk led by Dubuque County Conservation, followed by refreshments provided by Friends of Mines of Spain. Meet at EB Lyons Nature Center. RSVP to (563) 556-0620.
Palisades-Kepler State Park, Mount Vernon: Noon for two-mile hike through moderate to difficult terrain. Hot drinks provided with warming area inside lodge. Meet at lodge. Pets allowed, but must be on leash. Check out Friends of Palisades-Kepler State Park Facebook page.
Wildcat Den State Park, Muscatine: 1 p.m. for hot chocolate around the campfire, followed by a hike. Meet at the upper picnic area shelter. Cancellation information will be posted at http://www.iowadnr.gov/wildcatden or you may call park staff at (563) 263-4337.
Comments: (319) 339-3157; erin.jordan@thegazette.com
Andrew Smith (from left) of Marion, Aaron Aamodt and his daughter, Hannah, 2, of Cedar Rapids, and Stephen Estes (right) of Marion walk along the dam at a First Day Hike at Lake Macbride in Solon on Jan. 1, 2019. Each year, parks nationwide host guided hikes in an effort to encourage people to get outside and start the new year in nature. (The Gazette)
Daily Newsletters