116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Guided hikes offered at many Iowa state parks on New Year’s Day
Bad weather canceled some but more than a dozen still on
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources invites Iowans to take the First Day Hike Challenge by visiting a state park on New Year’s Day.
Visitors who check in online at one of more than 50 participating state parks and forests through the Park Passport through Sunday can qualify for a prize drawing for a free two-night stay at a two-bedroom cabin at Lake Darling State Park, near Brighton, the Iowa DNR reported. Visit as many parks as you like — every check-in counts as a contest entry.
The agency also will offer guided hikes at many state parks, including Palisades-Kepler in Mount Vernon, Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area in Palo and Wildcat Den in Muscatine, among others in Eastern Iowa. Because of of bad weather, check the Iowa DNR website at iowadnr.gov for an updated list.
The guided hikes are led by park rangers or Friends Groups and some include hot chocolate and snacks.
If you want to hike on your own but aren’t sure which trail to choose, click on “more info” in the Passport section of the Iowa DNR’s website to see park staff’s recommended trails. The agency advises hikers to dress warmly with hats, gloves and winter boots.
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 Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. Parks nationwide hosted guided hikes in an effort to encourage people to get outside and start the new year in nature. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)
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