14 First Day Hikes Happening Across Wisconsin On Jan. 1, 2020

First Day Hikes offer a way to begin the New Year rejuvenated and connected with nature. First Day hikers at Mirror Lake State Park.Photo credit: DNR

Contact(s): Paul Holtan, DNR Communications Specialist, 608-267-7517

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ State Park System is once again hosting First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day at 14 state properties across the state, from Newport State Park in Door County to the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail in Polk County. These hikes offer visitors an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenated and connected with nature.

First Day Hikers take advantage of the Department of Tourism selfie photo stand to capture their hike at the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.Photo credit: DNR

This is the ninth year Wisconsin has participated in the nationwide First Day Hikes campaign. Last year, 1,150 participants hiked 2,902 miles at 10 different Wisconsin state park properties on New Year’s Day.

Stay up-to-date on event cancellations by following the DNR on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Share your photos from the events using the hashtag #OutWiGo, the DNR’s initiative to promote activity and good health through the great outdoors. Feel free to call properties directly to confirm the event if there is inclement weather in the forecast.

A 2020 Wisconsin state park admission sticker is required for entrance to most parks for these events and will be on sale at property offices. First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day are happening at the following locations:

1. Buckhorn State Park — First Day Hike

2. Devil’s Lake State Park — First Day Hike

3. Interstate State Park — First Day Hike

4. Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit — First Day Hike

5. Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit — First Day Hike

6. Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit — First Day Hike

7. Mirror Lake State Park — First Day Hike

8. Newport State Park — First Day Hike

9. Peninsula State Park — First Day Hike

10. Red Cedar State Trail — First Day Hike

11. Roche-A-Cri — First Day Hike

12. Richard Bong State Recreation Area — First Day Hike