‘First Day’ Hikes offered at 17 Nebraska state parks

By Paul Hammel | Nebraska Examiner

LINCOLN — A New Year’s tradition is continuing at 17 Nebraska state parks that are hosting “First Day” Hikes or horseback rides on Jan. 1.

The free guided hikes allow visitors to get outdoors, snap photos, look for wildlife and participate in special events, which include a potluck soup luncheon at Ash Hollow State Historical Park near Lewellen and a tour of the James Family Conservatory and Nature Center at Mahoney State Park near Ashland.

The hikes vary in length, and at Branched Oak State Recreation Area, the “hike” is actually on horseback. Dogs, on a leash, are welcome. Visitors must have a valid state park entry permit.

First Day Hikes have been a tradition at state parks since 1992, when a state park outside of Boston invited visitors for a hike on Jan. 1. By 2017, an estimated 62,000 hikers participated in First Day Hikes, which are offered in all 50 states.

The Nebraska state parks, historical parks and recreation areas offering First Day Hikes are:

1. Ash Hollow

1. Chadron

1. Mahoney

1. Fort Hartsuff

1. Fort Kearny

1. Indian Cave,

1. Johnson Lake

1. Lake Ogallala

1. Mormon Island

1. Platte River

1. Ponca

1. Red Willow

1. Rock Creek Station

1. Schramm Park

1. Wagon Train

1. Wildcat Hills

1. Windmill

For start times and details, consult the  website, outdoornebraska.gov/FirstDayHikes.