Americans are being encouraged to spend New Year鈥檚 Day tromping through state parks as part of a nationwide campaign called First Day Hike. The annual event, which started more than 20 years ago and currently managed by , aims to encourage people to explore the parks system.
The 2014 event was the third time that all 50 states participated, and it was also the most widely attended, . Nearly 30,000 people hiked about 66,000 miles of the mountains, beaches, lakes, forests, and grasslands of America鈥檚 state parks during the event.
An of available hikes for the January 1 event includes the location, time, distance, and difficulty of more than 400 hikes. Most are relatively short and easy, but there are also some strenuous routes available. Rangers, naturalists, and volunteers will lead the hikes.聽
If you鈥檇 rather experience your state鈥檚 outdoor offerings with two wheels, four hooves, or a canoe beneath you, that鈥檚 possible:聽 for more information about the activities planned in your state.
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