Hikers Jim and Carla Yurisic, left, and Susan Munoz walk the Pleasant Valley Trail at Moraine State Park on the South Shore during a First Day Hike on New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Butler Eagle File Photo

Moraine State Park hosts a First Day Hike each Jan. 1, which offers a guided walk through of the park’s trails.

The park’s First Day Hike is once again full, but the 10 a.m. hike will be followed by an additional hike hosted by one of the organizations that is assisting with Moraine’s event.

The Butler Outdoor Club will lead a 5-mile hike on the North Country Trail starting at the trailhead at McDanels Boat Launch at Moraine State Park. The hike will be preceded by a potluck picnic that starts at noon near the trailhead. The organizer of the 5-mile hike said anyone is welcome to attend the potluck or the hike.

According to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania hosted 74 hikes at 47 parks and one forest district on Jan. 1, 2025, welcoming 2,488 participants who collectively hiked 6,487 miles.

Natalie Simon, the environmental educator for Moraine who is leading its First Day Hike, emphasized everyone who plans to attend the hike or visit the park on Thursday, Jan. 1, should be prepared and dress for the weather.