Want to start 2024 with a healthy habit? Try a First Day Hike at Kansas state parks
Get ready for this annual nationwide hiking tradition to kick off the new year.
More than 1,000 hikes will be available across the country, including 33 hosted by Kansas State Parks, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Park.
"Each year, these events grow more and more popular because they're a fun and healthy way to start the New Year," said Linda Lanterman, Kansas State Parks director. "They're a great cure for cabin fever, and they're held in some of the prettiest parts of our state."
2024's first day hike will be the 13th year to offer hikes. Participants can choose guided hikes to fit their comfort levels that include walks along lakes, exploring trails and the best for wildlife viewing.
What should participants expect and bring for the Kansas hikes?
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Park recommends hikers bring water, snacks, weather appropriate clothing, hiking shoes, hiking stick and binoculars.
Limited First Day Hike T-shirts will be available for participants on a first-come, first-served basis. A vehicle permit may be required with a $5 fee at the state park entrance.
For park cancellations and more hiking information, visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Park website.
Cheney State Park
Beginning at 2 p.m., hikers will meet at Park Office and hike the West Side Trail. The hike is 1.5 miles and will provide the opportunity to see native wildlife.
Clinton State Park
Starting at 11 a.m., hikers will meet at Bob Mowery Disc Golf Course Parking lot. Hikers will hike along the Prairie View Nature Trail with 1.5 miles. It's noted to be "perfect for beginners with minimal elevation gain through native prairie fields."
Crawford State Park
With a start time of 7:30 a.m., hikers will meet at the Beach Shelter House to hike the Museum/Spider Leg Trails. The trail is 2.3 miles, and refreshments will be provided.
El Dorado State Park
At 10 a.m., hikers will meet at Walnut River Cabin Area and hike among the General Hike and Story Walk Trail. It is 0.5 to 4 miles, depending on the preference of hikers. Refreshments will be provided.
Elk City State Park
Two separate hikes will be offered with the first beginning at 9 a.m. at the Green Thumb trail and the second at 11 a.m. at the Table Mound Trail. The Green Thumb Trail is 1 mile while the Table Mound trail is 2.75 miles. Refreshments will be provided.
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Fall River State Park
At 1 p.m., hikers will meet at Quarry Bay Bathhouse Area to hike the Catclaw Trail. The trail is 1 mile and is moderate in difficulty.
Flint Hills Trail State Park
Starting at 9 a.m., hikers will meet at Council Grove Trailhead to hike the Flint Hills trail. Participants are encouraged to bring a bike to ride down the easy in difficulty trail.
Glen Elder State Park
At 9 a.m., hikers will meet at the Park Office to hike the Glen Elder state park trail. It is 2 miles with an expected view of quail, pheasants, ducks and more.
Green Trail, Pratt
At 1 p.m., those who participate can meet at the Maintenance Shop to hike the Green Trail. The trail is easy in difficulty and 1 mile. Refreshments will be provided.
Hillsdale State Park
At 10:30 a.m., participants will meet at the State Park office to hike the Hidden Springs trail. Wildlife can be expected and refreshments will be provided.
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Kanopolis State Park
Starting at 10:30 a.m., participants will meet at the state park office to hike the Split Boulder trail. Hikers may see deer, birds, eagle nests and unique rock structures.
Meade State Park
At 2 p.m., hikers will meet at the state park office. Three hikes will be available to choose from as all are easy to moderate in difficulty.
Milford State Park
At 1 p.m., the hike will begin by meeting at the Crystal Trail Trailhead Parking lot to hike the Crystal Trail. Hikers will see native vegetation, trees, a variety of wildlife and more.
Perry State Park
Beginning at 2 p.m., hikers will meet at Rocky Top Day Use area to hike the Rocky Top trail. The hike is anticipated to take one hour to complete. Participants are encouraged to download the "what3words" app so that they can share their location during an emergency or if they need assistance.
Pomona State Park
Starting at 10 a.m., participants will meet at the State Park office and hike the Pomona State Park mixed route trail. There will be a 1-mile hike offered for young family groups and those who prefer an easy hike. A 4-mile hike will be available and medium in difficulty due to the terrain.
Prairie Center
At 2 p.m., participants will meet at Trailhead, next to Stone House to hike the Prairie Center nature trail. The trail is moderate in difficulty and approximately 1 mile.
Prairie Dog State Park
Starting at 10 a.m., those interested will meet at Steve Mathes Nature Trail parking lot to hike the trail. The first 1,000 feet of the nature trail is paved concrete, and the remaining 6,300 feet is dirt. Along the trail is a story walk book as well as a few wildlife informational signs.
Prairie Spirit Trail State Park
Beginning at 10 a.m., hikers will meet at Colony Trailhead in Colony. The hike is 1 to 3 miles and participants can go as far or short as they would like.
Sand Hills State Park
At 10 a.m., hikers will meet at the Trail Parking lot and take the Prairie Trail and Dune Trail. Hikers will have the chance to see various animals, including bobcats, bald eagles and more.
Historic Lake Scott State Park
Starting at 10 a.m., hikers will meet at the Historic Lake Scott Multi-Use Trail. The hike is expected to be 2 to 4 miles long along the Historic Lake Scott Multi-Use Trail.
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Tuttle Creek State Park
At 9 a.m., hikers can meet at the State Park Office. The hike will go along the Eagle pass and Western Heritage trails, exploring the Willow Lake and the Blue River to the Rocky Ford Dam. Sights will include cottonwood and sycamore trees and possibly bald eagles.
Webster State Park
Hikers will meet at 10 a.m. at the Coyote Trail Trailhead. The Coyote Trail will be taken to see such wildlife like deer, waterfowl and eagles along the hike.
Wilson State Park
Beginning at 10 a.m., the Wilson State Park will meet at the Old Beach parking lot near Cedar Trail. The hike will be 1 mile and is ADA accessible. Wildlife can be seen throughout the hike.
Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at klately@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Get ready for 2024 with a First Day Hike at these Kansas state parks
