Kick off the 50th anniversary year of the National Trails System with a First Day Hike at a state park along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail on Monday, January 1.
Here are some First Day Hikes happening along the Trail on January 1:
Arrow Rock State Historic Site, Missouri, Historic River Landing Trail, Lewis & Clark Trail of Discovery, 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
This hike will focus on bird watching and hike leaders are from the Missouri River Bird Observatory. The 2.5-mile hike will start at the state historic site visitor’s center and continue through the woods to the Big Spring and then down the Historic River Landing Trail to the Lewis & Clark Trail of Discovery on the Big Muddy National Fish & Wildlife Refuge.
Indian Cave State Park, Nebraska, Trail 1, 8 a.m.
The hike will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 10 a.m. Bring your dog and a leash and join us on a 2-mile jaunt through the woods and enjoy the scenery. A Park Entry Permit is required.
Lewis and Clark State Park, Iowa, Hike 1, 12 p.m.
Meet at the Visitors Center for a short introduction and a cup of coffee. This is an easy hike for all ages.
Ponca State Park, Nebraska, Overlook Trail, 2 p.m.
The Overlook Trail has outstanding river views including the Tri-state Overlook. From the Tri-state Overlook, hikers can view Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota.
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, South Dakota, Lewis and Clark Trails System, 1 p.m.
Join park staff for a First Day Hike on Jan. 1 at the Lewis and Clark Welcome Center. Snowshoes will be available to check out. Stick around after the hike, hot chocolate will be served.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, North Dakota, Scouts Trail, 1 p.m.
Please dress for the weather and terrain. Event will be cancelled if weather is severe or threatening. Please check the Fort Abraham Lincoln Facebook Page for any cancellation notifications.
Fort Stevenson State Park, North Dakota, Trooper Challenge, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Park staff will provide candle luminaries to light the trail. Enjoy snack and refreshments at the visitor center following the hike.
Travelers' Rest State Park, Montana, Loop Trail, 11 a.m.
Join the staff for an easy hike on the park's trail system. You'll look for winter wildlife, including American Dippers, Belted Kingfishers, Whitetail Deer and Mule Deer.
Missouri Headwaters State Park, Montana, Missouri Headwaters Trail System, 11 a.m.
Join the staff for this fun First Day Hike. There will be hot chocolate and warm bagels by the fire starting at 10 a.m. and the ranger-led hike will begin at 11 a.m. You'll explore Fort Rock and, weather permitting, enjoy spectacular views of the rivers and mountains surrounding the Gallatin Valley. A great way to kick off the New Year.
Hells Gate State Park, Idaho, Down River Trail, 1 p.m.
There will be one guided hike planned, and the first group will head out at 1 p.m. The guided hike is not mandatory. Hikers are more than welcome to explore any of the park's 12-plus miles of trails. Upon completion of your hike there will be free soup and hot cocoa, cider, tea or coffee at the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center.
Beacon Rock State Park, Washington, Beacon Rock Trail, 10 a.m.
Help the park staff kick off the centennial year of the Beacon Rock Trail with a First Day Hike up the rock. One-hundred years ago, construction of the engineering marvel that is the trail to the top of Beacon Rock was completed (April 1918). A ranger will share a few historical tidbits about the rock itself and the building of the trail.
Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington, Coastal Loop Trail, 1 p.m.
Enjoy a little new year’s drama—the beautiful scenic Pacific Ocean kind. Get a taste of this stirring environment where the Columbia River meets the ocean to create some of the wildest waters in the world. Led by Interpretive Specialist Aaron Webster, this hike will explore the mysteries of the Fog Forest and view of a small island that was an important destination for the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery.
Sunset Beach State Recreation Site, Oregon, Fort to Sea Trail, 10 a.m.
Join Fort Stevens park rangers for a hike of the Fort to Sea Trail starting at Sunset Beach State Recreation Site. The Fort to Sea trail was opened in the early 2000s to commemorate the adventures of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In 1805-06 a trail was blazed to connect their winter camp to the ocean shore where they could gather much-needed resources like salt and whale meat.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail traverses more than 3,700 miles across the states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. It is part of the National Park Service. Its headquarters is located at 601 Riverfront Drive in Omaha, Nebraska where there is a small Visitors Center open to the public year-round. Visitors can obtain American the Beautiful Passes, to include the Annual, Active Military, Senior, Access, and Every Kid in a Park, by stopping by the Visitor Center during open hours.
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