As annual holidays go, New Year’s Day doesn’t get enough acclaim. Admittedly, it’s hard to compete with the birth of Christ in December and His resurrection during the glorious days of spring.
The first day of the year may also get eclipsed by the celebration of our national independence on the Fourth of July, and the commemoration of the brave men and women who died serving our country on battlefields around the world on Memorial Day. The achievements of working Americans for better and safer labor conditions also earn their September recognition.
But New Year’s Day certainly deserves a bow as we welcome in another calendar change. Whether we hope for more great things in 2025 or are just glad to put 2024 in the rear-view mirror, the march of time should encourage the optimism of a fresh start.
Most of the partying for the holiday actually takes place the day before, so Jan. 1 may be anticlimactic for some – but not for me. I have become a big fan of the First Day Hikes organized by the National Association of State Parks Directors. Since the program began in 1992, almost 500,000 participants have walked nearly a million miles.
Twenty-four parks in Missouri have special events planned this year including a few nearby for Jefferson County residents. Washington, Robertsville, Hawn, St. Francois, St. Joe, and Meramec state parks, and Missouri Mines State Historic Site will welcome hikers who want to ring in the new year with fresh air and exercise.
Preregistration is required for all hikes because some limit the number of participants. Visit mostateparks.org to register and click on Things To Do.
Hawn State Park is probably the most popular of the local events. It’s also the most physically challenging on the area list this year. At 3.8 miles, the Spanish Land Grant Trail will challenge hikers with its rough terrain, and reward visitors with about 2.5 hours in the oak and pine woodlands. The guided hike begins at 10 a.m.
The hike at Robertsville State Park also begins at 10 a.m., on the 2.6-mile Lost Hill Trail, which takes about two hours to complete. Mostly wooded, the trail goes by remnants of prescribed burning activities and a view of an oxbow slough along Calvey Creek.
Two hikes are planned at St. Francois State Park near Bonne Terre. The 10 a.m. event is a 1.1-mile walk on the paved loop around the park’s Big River Day Use area. At 1 p.m. hikers will challenge the bluffs and bottoms of the 3.15-mile Swimming Deer Trail.
Washington State Park will host its “Hike, Bike and Trike” walk at 1 p.m. with a choice of options beginning at the Thunderbird Lodge. Participants can take the 1.5-mile interpreter-led hike on the rugged 1,000 Steps Trail, or they can bring any human-powered, wheeled equipment, such as bikes, trikes or strollers, to pedal or walk along the 1-mile Big River access road. A warming station and snacks will be provided after the hikes.
At Meramec State Park, the First Day Hike will combine parts of two different trails for a 2.5-mile jaunt. The Bluff View and River Trails wander through woodlands, glades and river bottoms, and include stops at two shelters built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
The Lakeview Trail at St. Joe State Park near Park Hills is rated as “easy” and includes a short stretch of pavement. Most of the 1.25-mile walk is on natural surfaces, including dirt and gravel, as it follows the contours of the shore around Monsanto Lake in the park.
The one-mile hike at Missouri Mines State Historic Site near Park Hills will be highlighted by descriptions of the old buildings and equipment on the property. Most of the walk will be on gravel or pavement, but it does include a few steep inclines.
There are many other First Day Hikes throughout Missouri and in all 50 states.
“I am thrilled to see the continued growth and success of the First Day Hikes program,” said Lewis Ledford, executive director of the National Association of State Park Directors. “This initiative has become a cherished tradition, providing individuals and families with the opportunity to embrace the outdoors, and kick off the year with a commitment to health and well-being.”
John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine. If you have story ideas for the Leader outdoor news page, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com, and you can find more outdoor news and updates at johnjwink.com.