Want to get more exercise in 2020? Start the new year off with a first day hike.
Getting active this New Year will be a whole lot easier, and cheaper, as National Parks across the nation are hosting their annual First Day Hike on Jan. 1. The day includes a free, guided tour of a Wichita city park and state parks in Kansas, and Wichita has a few just around the corner.
First Day Hikes started in Massachusetts over 25 years ago in an effort to promote outdoor recreation and support healthy living. The hike at Pawnee Prairie, a west Wichita city park, is free but admission to the state parks require a Kansas State Parks Passport, or a daily vehicle permit, which can be obtained at park offices for $5.
Director of Wichita Park and Recreation Troy Houtman said this allows people to experience the outdoors.
“It gets more people active and gives them options to get out and walk and check out a good park - a kick off to the year trying to be active,” Houtman said.
Here are some of the hikes scheduled for New Year’s Day:
Pawnee Prairie Park, 2625 S Tyler Rd. — The hike in this city park will take place from 9:45 to 11 a.m. and participants are asked to meet at the nature center off Tyler Road. This trail is family friendly and dog friendly – with leashes. Participants are encouraged to dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. There will be a group photo before the hike begins at 10 a.m. The hike will take place rain or shine. For updates check the City of Wichita Park and Recreation Facebook Page.
El Dorado State Park, 618 NE Bluestem Rd., El Dorado — The hike will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. and participants are asked to meet at the Walnut River Cabins. The trail is described as an easy to moderate 2-mile hike. It is family friendly and dog friendly – with leashes. Hikers are encouraged to dress warm and to bring a camera for wildlife photos. After the hike refreshments will be provided, as well as a campfire and a group photo. Vehicle permits are required. For updates check the El Dorado State Park Facebook Page.
Cheney State Park, 16000 NE 50 St., Cheney — The hike begins at 2 p.m. and participants are asked to meet at the park office. The trail is described as an easy to moderate 1/2 mile to 3/4 mile hike. It is family friendly and dog friendly – with leashes. Hikers are encouraged to bring water, snacks, appropriate clothing, hiking boots, binoculars and a camera. Water and hot chocolate will be provided. Vehicle permits are required. For updates check the Cheney State Park Facebook Page.
Other State Parks in Kansas participating in the First Day Hike include the state’s two newest parks — the Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park and the Flint Hills Nature Trail State Park.
Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, Country Rd., 400 and Gold Rd., Oakley is about four hours northwest of Wichita. The hike begins at noon and the meeting location varies depending on the difficulty level of the hike. The on-trail hike will be on the Life on the Rocks Trail and is described as an easy 1-2 mile hike. Participants of this trail are asked to meet at the Park Office. The second, off-trail hike will be on the Little Jerusalem Badlands and is described as an advanced mile hike. Hiking poles are suggested. The on-trail hike is dog friendly – with leashes. Dogs are not permitted on the off-trail hike. Hikers are encouraged to bring water, snacks, warm clothing, binoculars and a camera for wildlife photos. Vehicle permits are required. For updates call Historic Lake Scott State Park 620-872-2061.
Flint Hills Nature Trail State Park is a 117-mile-long trail from Osawatomie and Herington. The hike begins at 2 p.m. and participants are asked to meet at the Old Depot Museum in Ottawa, 135 W Tecumseh St. It is a 2-mile hike and dog friendly – with leashes. Hikers are encouraged to bring water, snacks and dress warm and comfortable with either hiking shoes or boots. For updates call Prairie Spirit Trail Office at 785-448-2627.
This story was originally published December 31, 2019 at 3:59 PM.