First Day Hike set New Year?s Day at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

KEOSAUQUA ? Lacey-Keosauqua State Park is participating in America?s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative Sunday.

?We are excited to host First Day Hikes again as part of this effort to get people outdoors and into our parks,? said Todd Coffelt, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau. ?These hikes are a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the new year with friends and family.?

To participate in the First Day Hikes meet at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Lacey-Keosauqua State Park Lodge.

Participants will walk the River Trail, which is moderately difficult and 1 to 2 miles long. They will trek along the oak-hickory bluff of the Des Moines River and learn about history, including the river crossing of the Mormon Trail and the many Civilian Conservation Corps structures in the park.

Refreshments and a warm fire will be provided.

To check on possible cancellation of the Lacey-Keosauqua State Park First Day Hikes, call 319-293-3502.

The hike at Lacey park is one of 25 free, guided hikes taking place on New Year?s Day in Iowa state parks.

Last year, more than 600 people began the year in an Iowa state park, hiking more than 1,100 total miles.

?And we had participants ranging in age from 8 weeks to 80-plus years,? said Coffelt.

Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa?s state parks.

Details about the hikes can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes and to see a comprehensive map of First Day Hikes across the country, visit www.stateparks.org.

All 50 states will participate in the sixth annual national event that encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with a guided outdoor exploration.

?America?s state parks provide havens for young and old alike to explore the beauty and serenity of nature through outdoor recreation,? said Lewis Ledford, executive director of the National Association of State Park Directors. ?Hiking offers inspiring ways to improve your physical and mental health, while discovering beautiful public lands in every state.?

Last year, more than 55,000 people participated in guided hikes that covered over 133,000 miles on 1,100 hikes across the country.