The Great Outdoors

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR WITH A DAY HIKE

Usher in 2016 with other outdoor lovers at one of the many First Day Hikes, and one First Day Horse Ride, offered January 1 at Indiana’s state parks.

First Day Hikes are a healthy way to start 2016 and a chance to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and connect with friends.

DNR’s Division of State Parks is hosting 32 First Day events throughout the state, including a trail run/walk at Monroe Lake, and a First Day Horse Ride at Tippecanoe River State Park.

Information on First Day events in Indiana is at dnr.IN.gov/dnr/parklake/2420.htm.

Local First Day events at Indiana State Park properties are:

-Brown County State Park, 10 a.m.: Meet at nature center parking lot for a ¾-mile, one-hour hike through the woods. Hot drinks will be available after the hike. For more information, call (812) 988-5240.

-Chain O’Lakes State Park, 2 p.m.: Meet at the Stanley Schoolhouse for a “Good Ole Days Walk to School.” The 4-mile, two-hour hike will demonstrate how far students once walked to school. Hot cocoa and coffee will be available.

-Indiana Dunes State Park, 10 a.m.: Meet at the nature center for a three-dunes-challenge hike. The hour-long, 1.5-mile hike ends with a fire and snacks.

-Mississinewa Lake, 7:30 p.m.: Meet at Bostwick Pond in Miami State Recreation Area for a 1-mile owl hike that will last about 45 minutes. Afterward, eat s’mores and drink hot drinks around a campfire.

-O’Bannon Woods State Park, 1 p.m.: Meet at the nature center for a 1-mile walk on a road with two oxen and two donkeys. Enjoy refreshments at the nature center afterward. The hike is contingent on weather.

-Ouabache State Park, 11 a.m.: Meet at the Bison Pen Shelter for an easy, 40-minute stroll around the bison pen on a mile-long trail.

-Pokagon State Park, 1 p.m.: Meet at Potawatomi Inn’s Lonidaw Lounge. The hike, which is less than a mile long, ends at the toboggan run fire ring. Roast marshmallows and enjoy a fire from 2 to 3 p.m.

-Salamonie Lake (Salamonie River State Forest), 2 p.m.: Meet at Salamonie River State Forest, Hominy Ridge parking lot, for a 1-mile hike that shares Civilian Conservation Corps history.

The Waynedale News Staff
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