[ad_1]
Wisconsin — 2022 is almost over.
Also to mark the beginning of the new year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will host first-day hikes on January 1, 2023 in Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, Trails, and Recreation Areas.
Now in their 11th year in the state, these hikes are meant to encourage outdoor activity for one day of the year.
Steve Schmelzer, Managing Director of DNR Parks and Recreation, said: “A great way to set the tone for the new year and invite everyone to hike the first day in the Wisconsin State Park system.”
All hikes on the first day are free, but may require a state park pass or entry sticker. Some libraries offer free passes to state parks.
Many of the 1- to 3-mile hikes offered on this day are guided by property naturalists or local experts. These have specific start times and meeting points.
However, you can also participate in self-guided hikes.
Some facilities may also have snowshoeing options.
The park is generally open from 6am to 11pm, but the park hosts these hikes during certain afternoon slots. You can stop by anytime during the period.
For more information on all events and their time slots, please visit the DNR event calendar and enter ‘first day hike’ in the ‘type’ field.
Here are some of the parks that offer guided hikes on the first day of the year.
buckhorn state park
From 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, hike the Central Sands Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile horizontal hike with boardwalks, with an expert. If interested, meet in the south parking lot. After the hike, visitors can enjoy hot drinks and cookies. Pets are allowed on this hike as long as they are on a leash. Officials said they will use snowshoes on hikes if there is enough snow, with child and adult pairs available as needed.
Devil’s Lake State Park
You will be guided through the Steinke Basin at dusk, followed by a 2-mile (2-mile) hike over bumpy roads from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Snowshoes can be rented as needed. Dogs are not allowed.
interstate park
Join your own hike or follow a member of the park staff on the 9am-11am hike. Fires are available for those entering the park in group camps.
(Courtesy of Mike Brickl Photography)
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak
Between 12:00 and 3:00 PM, meet other hikers at Mike’s Fort Shelter to begin your first day of hiking.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake
From noon to 2:00 pm, the Pike Lake Unit hosts two guided hikes. One is a 2 mile loop and the other is a 3 mile loop. Both are rated intermediate. Hikers can meet in the beach area parking lot. After the hike, the group can rejoin the bonfire in the amphitheater.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – South Unit
Beginning at the Scappernon trailhead, this self-guided first-day hike offers a choice of hiking lengths for loops of 2.3, 4.1, and 4.9 miles. Some free children’s activities are also available at the warming shelter.
(Freeimages.com)
Mackenzie Center
Mackenzie Naturalist awaits you on the trail south and sets off on a 1-2 mile hike through central woods and prairies. Hikers can expect moderate pace and turnaround points if desired. The hike lasts from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Trails are accessible but not plowed. Outdoor wheelchairs can be reserved.
Mirror Lake State Park
Learn about the history and geology of Mirror Lake from naturalist Marty on a 10am-1pm guided hike along the Sandstone Trail. If you’re interested in taking part in this hike, meet at the Beach Picnic Area/Winter Wreck Area. Most of the trail is all-terrain wheelchair accessible, but it is not a plowed path.
newport state park
This family-friendly guided hike on the Fern Trail spans 1.2 miles. Hikers should meet at Parking Lot 3 at 1:00 PM. After the hike, gather at the shelter building for bonfires, entertainment, games and snacks.
Peninsula State Park
Take a 30-minute guided hike starting at the recently renovated White Cedar Nature Center. Hikers can warm up before or after a hike in the center or heat up in the outdoor fire pit.Hot drinks are available.Hiking starts at 10am
(Photo courtesy of Luke Collins)
Point Beach State Forest
From 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, enjoy a 0.75-mile guided hike on the Swales Nature Trail. Interested hikers should meet at the Point Beach State Forest Nature Center. After your hike, warm up with hot chocolate or coffee by the fireplace at the nature center. Dogs are allowed on this hike. However, entry into the building is prohibited.
Wheelchairs with tracks are available for those who require a wheelchair. You can call ahead to reserve a time slot.
Red Cedar State Trail
Hikers are invited to meet at the Depot Visitor Center or the Red Cedar State Trailhead and self-guided hike parking lot. The first day’s hike is on the Junction Trail north of the Depot Visitor Center. Those interested in skiing can head to the Red Cedar Trail south of the visitor center. Restrooms are located at the visitor center.
Richard Bonn State Recreation Area
Trails are determined based on weather conditions, but hikers can venture out between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
(Courtesy of Bruce Clink)
Roche-a-Kuri Provincial Park
A self-guided hike, the trail begins on a steep hill that leads to a creek. Hikers can meet in the winter parking lot of Czech His Avenue. After the hike, you can enjoy hot drinks and cookies.
Straight Lake State Park
Hikers can find their own adventures or join the staff on hikes from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A warm fire and a map can be found at the Rainbow Lake Shelter.
Whitefish Dunes State Park
This hike is completely self-guided and has no specific end or start times. There are no equipment rentals, but cross-country skiing is permitted. For those looking to warm up by the fire or enjoy a snack, the picnic shelter is open from 10am to 12pm.
(Freeimages.com)
[ad_2]
Source link
