Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
Looking to kickstart your New Year’s fitness resolution? Missouri State Parks is organizing guided First Day Hikes across the state, offering residents a chance to begin 2025 immersed in nature’s beauty.
The First Day Hikes program, a nationwide initiative, brings together state parks from Hawaii to Maine, encouraging families to start the year actively. More than 1,000 guided hikes will take place across the country, with Missouri offering some of the most diverse trail options.
“This initiative has become a cherished tradition,” says Lewis Ledford, executive director of the National Association of State Park Directors. “It provides individuals and families with the opportunity to embrace the outdoors and kick off the year with a commitment to health and well-being.”
According to Metro Voice News, participating Missouri parks range from scenic woodland trails to historic sites, with options suitable for all skill levels. Local CBS affiliate KRCG reports that guided hikes are available at over 20 locations statewide.
Highlights include Bennett Spring State Park’s 2.5-mile Savanna Ridge Trail hike, Big Sugar Creek State Park’s challenging 3.3-mile Ozark Chiquapin Trail adventure, and the urban exploration around Jefferson Landing State Historic Site. The Columbia Tribune notes that Rock Bridge Memorial State Park offers multiple hiking options, including bird watching with the Columbia Audubon Society.
Preregistration is required for all hikes through icampmo1.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/, as space is limited. Metro Voice News previously reported that trail usage has increased significantly in recent years, making these guided experiences even more valuable for both newcomers and experienced hikers.
For complete details about Missouri’s state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.
