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First Day Hikes Of 2020 Kick-Off Centennial Year For Iowa State Parks

Iowa’s State Parks will kick-off their centennial year with First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2020 at 49 parks across the state. “First Day Hikes are the inaugural events of the centennial celebration, and we are so excited to spend this time outdoors with park visitors,” says Todd Coffelt, Parks, Forests and Preserves bureau Chief with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Even if you have never been on a winter hike or visited a state park, we invite you to join us for this special opportunity to exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.” Last year, 1,400 people participated in New Year’s Day hikes in Iowa, logging more than 1,100 total miles at dozens of state parks. Many sites will also provide hot beverages and snacks following the excursion. Participants should dress for the weather, including warm, sturdy boots for winter conditions. In our area, Springbrook State Park in Guthrie County will be hosting a hike around the lake followed by hot chocolate and cookies beginning at 9 a.m. Hikers will meet at the park office at 2437 1066th Road. Shelby County’s Prairie Rose State Park will hold an Owl Prowl hike, led by Naturalist, Christina Roelofs. They will start their hike at 5:30 p.m., meeting at the west campground near site 86. Following the outing, participants can gather for hot chocolate and popcorn at the park office.

George Wyth State Park, Black Hawk County

Time: 10:00 AM

Meeting Place: George Wyth Lodge

Length of Hike (miles): 1 mile

Difficulty: Easty to moderate

Cancellation Information: Call 319-232-5505

Additional Information: Meet at the George Wyth Lodge for a hike through the Audobon Bird Viewing Area and Alice Wyth Lake area. Enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores by the fire at the end of the hike. Please dress for the weather. Restroom facilities are closed for the season.

Pine Lake State Park, Hardin County

Time: 1:00 PM

Meeting Place: Meet at Pine Creek Cabin #1 off of County Highway S-56

Name of Trail: Wildcat Trail and Bike Trail

Length of Hike (miles): 1.5 mile

Difficulty: moderate

Cancellation Information: Call 641-858-5832 or visit the Friends of Pine Lake Facebook page

Additional Information: Hike will begin and end at the cabins at Pine Lake, skirting the Iowa River and Lower Pine Lake via the Hogsback and Pine Lake Bike Trails. A warm fire and refreshments will be available in the cabins at the end of the hike. Restrooms available in the cabins at the start and end of the hike.

First Day Hikes Of 2020 Kick-Off Centennial Year For Iowa State Parks

Iowa’s State Parks will kick-off their centennial year with First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2020 at 49 parks across the state. “First Day Hikes are the inaugural events of the centennial celebration, and we are so excited to spend this time outdoors with park visitors,” says Todd Coffelt, Parks, Forests and Preserves bureau Chief with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “Even if you have never been on a winter hike or visited a state park, we invite you to join us for this special opportunity to exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.” Last year, 1,400 people participated in New Year’s Day hikes in Iowa, logging more than 1,100 total miles at dozens of state parks. Many sites will also provide hot beverages and snacks following the excursion. Participants should dress for the weather, including warm, sturdy boots for winter conditions. In our area, Springbrook State Park in Guthrie County will be hosting a hike around the lake followed by hot chocolate and cookies beginning at 9 a.m. Hikers will meet at the park office at 2437 1066th Road. Shelby County’s Prairie Rose State Park will hold an Owl Prowl hike, led by Naturalist, Christina Roelofs. They will start their hike at 5:30 p.m., meeting at the west campground near site 86. Following the outing, participants can gather for hot chocolate and popcorn at the park office.


Union Grove State Park, Tama County Time: 1:00 PM Meeting Place: Near new cabins in the campground area and manager’s office at the top of the high hill. Difficulty: Moderate Cancellation Information: Call 641-473-2556 Hike will begin and end with a warming fire, cookies, and hot chocolate. In between, local eagles might be spotted as well as signs of plentiful wildlife. Lake residents will be on hand to answer questions about living at the lake.