Start New Year with walk in the park
The confetti has been swept up, the champagne glasses washed and put away and the Rose Parade is over. An afternoon's worth of football games doesn't appeal. What's a fun, free activity to start the New Year off right?
Why don't you go take a hike?
Whether trying to get healthier, reduce stress, spend more time outdoors, or just spend more time with friends and family, a First Day Hike can help those New Year's resolutions get started on the right path.
And in Butler County, would-be First Day hikers have two paths to choose from.
Jennings Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Brady Township, and Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville, are both hosting hikes to ring in 2020.
Jennings Environmental Education Center
Kati Edmiston, environmental education specialist at Jennings, said, “The hike is about two miles long. It's an easy trail but there are some varied terrains.”
<br />Starting at 1 p.m., the hike will be led by Jennings staff and assistants, and will cover Jennings' prairie side trails.The route will go through different terrains and pass through several different habitats, including the prairie, the forest and an area affected by beaver activity.The hike is rated “easy,” for those who are able to cover the distance and some sloping areas under winter conditions.Edmiston said, “There are guides, but there is less interpretation by them and more a concentration on hiking and moving.”“It's basically to help you keep your New Year's resolution to exercise and get outdoors as opposed to watching football. Take the opportunity to get some recreation and follow an healthy lifestyle,” she said.This is a free program, and pre-registration is not required.Edmiston said hikers should meet in the parking lot at the Prairie Trails Area of the park in time to begin hiking promptly at 1 p.m.Hikers should be sure to dress for the weather, with sturdy, water-resistant footwear and layered clothing for comfort, warmth and to stay dry.
Edmiston said hikers are responsible for bringing their own water and snacks.“We go out rain, shine or snow,” she said. “The year before last, it was 11 degrees and snowing, and the hike still went on.”“Every two or three years, we have a First Night Hike on Dec. 31,” said Edmiston. “We ring in the new year at midnight in the prairie area. We do that every two or three years.”In fact, the 2019 hike was a First Night Hike. “We had 45 people attend,” said Edmiston. “The mild weather, it was a 60-degree night, always makes attendance better.”2018 was also a First Night Hike and it drew 40 people.The 2017 First Day Hike at Jennings brought out 57 people who wanted to get the new year started with a hike.Moraine State ParkMoraine State Park's First Day Hike also begins at 1 p.m., said Natalie Simon, environmental education specialist at the park.Simon said the hike is sponsored by the Butler Outdoor Club and will start at Pavilion 7 in the McDanel's Launch Area, 118 North Shore Drive.Hikers will walk the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) in the park.Led by experienced guides familiar with the trails, hikers may choose to go either southwest or northeast from the starting point, all on the NCNST. There will be several opportunities to turn back and make a shorter hike. Hikers can opt to walk from 1 to 6 miles on moderate terrain.Simon said, “A beginner can hike this trail. A key part is the trail is clearly marked, so people can turn around and go back whenever they feel like they've hiked enough.”
She emphasized that Pavilion 7 in the McDanel's Launch Area was the new starting point for the hike. The starting point was moved because the launch area offered more amenities, such as rest rooms.Simon also said hikers should dress for the weather, take their own water and snacks and, at Moraine, friendly dogs on a leash are also welcome.“Last year we had the most hikers in the state for First Day,” said Simon. “We had 338 and at least 18 well-behaved dogs on leashes.”After they are through with walking, hikers are invited to join the Moraine Preservation Fund's “warm-up reception” with hot cocoa, cookies, and a fire in Pavilion 7.Information about plans for a year of 50th Anniversary celebrations will also be available.Simon said the First Day Hike was the first in a series of events commemorating 2020 as the 50th Anniversary of Moraine State Park.About First Day HikesFirst Day Hikes are sponsored by state park systems throughout the country to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year and to promote healthy lifestyles, according to the Pa. Department of Conservation & Natural Resources.Organized by the National Association of State Park Directors, all 50 states have cooperatively sponsored First Day Hikes since 2012.First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by the NASPD to encourage people to get outdoors.On Jan. 1, 2019, Pennsylvania's state parks hosted 46 hikes, with over 2,900 participants hiking more than 7,750 total miles.Nationwide, nearly 28,000 people rang in the New Year, collectively hiking over 66,000 miles throughout the country, according to the national park directors' group.
