Wisconsin state parks have outdoor hikes planned

MADISON - The Wisconsin State Park System is once again hosting First Day Hikes on New Year's Day. These hikes offer visitors an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenated and connected with nature. First Day Hikes will be happening at 10 state properties, across the state from Newport State Park on the Door County to the Red Cedar State Trail in Dunn County.

This is the eighth year Wisconsin has participated in the nationwide First Day Hikes campaign. On Jan. 1, 2018, 373 participants hiked 1,023 miles at 14 different Wisconsin state park properties. That first day of January was a bitter cold day and three of the events were cancelled due to sub-zero temperatures and dangerous wind chills. Photo credit: DNR

The most exciting story for 2018 was the addition of a major all-day ski event in the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit hosted by a local ski group on man-made snow, a joint effort of parks staff and volunteers. Participants in this event contributed over 578 miles traveled (more than 50 percent of total miles) between 93 attendees.

The park system plans on again using the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Twitter social media platform to alert people when an event has to be cancelled due to inclement weather. Event visitors are encouraged to post photos on their Twitter and Instagram accounts using the hashtag #OutWiGo, the park system's new initiative -- pronounced " Out-We-Go " -- to promote activity and good health through the great outdoors.

A 2019 Wisconsin state park admission sticker is required for entrance to most parks for these events and will be on sale at park offices.

2019 First Day Hikes at Wisconsin State Park System properties

1. Buckhorn State Park - First Day Hike
2. Devil's Lake State Park - First Day Hike
3. Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit - First Day Hike
4. Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit - First Day Hike
5. Mirror Lake State Park - First Day Hike
6. Newport State Park - First Day Hike
7. Perrot State Park - First Day Hike and Snowshoe
8. Red Cedar State Trail - First Day Hike - Wildlife and history hike/ski
9. Richard Bong State Recreation Area - First Day Hike
10. Stower Seven Lakes State Trail - First Day Hike, Bike and Ski