SD Game, Fish and Parks Celebrates New Year with First Day Hikes Across the State

PIERRE, S.D. –-(Ammoland.com)-South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) encourages those with New Year’s resolutions on health and happiness to kick off 2019 with a First Day Hike at a state park.

On January 1, all 50 states will be participating in the seventh annual national event that encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with a guided outdoor exploration.

“We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks,” said South Dakota state park director Katie Ceroll. “First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with a walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks.”

Hashtag your hike: #FirstDayHikes

The sponsored hikes range from less than one-mile journeys to longer, more intense workouts, depending on the state and terrain. South Dakota is offering seven hikes across the state at state parks.

• First Day 5K and Pet Stroll, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton, 10 a.m. CST
• First Day Hike, Custer State Park near Custer, 10 a.m. MST
• First Day Hike, Oakwood Lakes State Park near Brookings, 1 p.m. CST
• First Day Snowshoe Hike, George S. Mickelson Trail, 1 p.m. MST. Pre-registration required: 605.384.3896
• First Hike, Good Earth State Park near Sioux Falls, 2 p.m. CST
• Winter Wonderland Nature Hike, Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon, 2 p.m. CST
• Winter Woods Walk, Newton Hills State Park near Canton, 2 p.m. CST

First Day Hikes originated more than 25 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation – a state park in Milton, Massachusetts. Last year, thousands of Americans participated in both traditional hikes and new experiences in many parks.