There are not too many ways to start the new year than with a hike. On New Year’s Day each year, America’s state parks in all fifty states offer free guided hikes. Knowledgeable park staff and volunteers are on hand all day long.
What a great way to burn those added holiday calories! A simple to intermediate hike to begin the year sets priorities straight. With so many people making resolutions to lose weight, a manageable hike can be the beginning of new exercise patterns.
History Of These Hikes
Last year nearly 55,000 people brought in the New Year hiking over 133,000 miles across this country. Although the hiking trails varied from park to park, the aim of creating a fun experience for the entire family was reached.
Benefits Of Hiking
Hiking has so many benefits. Hiking can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It fits any time schedule or fitness ability. Yet, getting out in fresh air, possible sunshine, moving the body, and seeing nature has more perks. Outdoor activities rejuvenate the body and mind promoting overall mental and physical health. It is also believed that being outdoors lifts our moods.
Missouri Guided Hikes
Missouri joined the country and has several guided hikes arranged. Located around the state the guides will meet the hikers at certain places at certain times. Here is a list for your planning:
|
Park/Historic Site |
Meeting Location |
Time |
| Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Wildwood | Alta Shelter | 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. |
| Bennett Spring State Park, Lebanon | Savanna Ridge Trailhead | 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. |
| Big Sugar Creek State Park, Pineville, MO | Ozark Chinquapin Trailhead | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
| Crowder State Park – North Thompson Trail, Trenton | Equestrian Parking Lot | 1 p.m. |
| Crowder State Park – Tall Oaks Trail, Trenton | Shelter 3 Parking Lot | 10 a.m. |
| Cuivre River State Park, Troy | Stone Shelter Trailhead | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Echo Bluff and Current River state parks, Eminence/Salem | Betty Lea Lodge, Echo Bluff State Park | 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. |
| Graham Cave State Park, Danville | Lower Picnic Area Interpretive Shelter | 1 p.m. |
| Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton | Castle Parking Lot | 10 a.m. – Noon |
| Hawn State Park, Ste. Genevieve | Whispering Pines Trailhead | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Katy Trail State Park, Rocheport | Rocheport Trailhead | 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. |
| Katy Trail State Park, Windsor – CANCELED | Windsor Trailhead | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Knob Noster State Park, Knob Noster | Buteo Trailhead | 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Coakley Hollow Fen Trail, Linn Creek | Ozark Caverns Visitor Center | 11 a.m. – Noon |
| Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Hidden Springs Trail, Kaiser | Across from the stables on Hwy. 134 | 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Lake Wappapello State Park, Williamsville | Shelter #1 | 11 a.m. |
| Mastodon State Historic Site, Imperial | Picnic Area off Seckman Road | 9 a.m. |
| Meramec State Park, Sullivan | Visitor Center | Noon – 2:30 p.m. |
| Montauk State Park, Salem | Stone CCC Shelter | 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
| Onondaga Cave State Park, Leasburg | Showerhouse Parking Lot in Campground | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Prairie State Park, Mindenmines | Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Roaring River State Park, Cassville | Devil’s Kitchen Trailhead | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Robertsville State Park, Robertsville | Spice Bush Trailhead | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Don Robinson State Park, Cedar Hill | Day-Use Area Restrooms | 10 a.m. – Noon |
| Rock Bridge Memorial State Park – Deer Run Trail, Columbia | Register for information | 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Rock Bridge Memorial State Park – Gans Creek Wild Area, Columbia | Register for information | 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Rock Bridge Memorial State Park – Grassland Trail, Columbia | Register for information | 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Rock Bridge Memorial State Park – Sinkhole and Devil’s Icebox Trails, Columbia | Register for information | 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
| St. Francois State Park, Bonne Terre | Swimming Deer Trailhead | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
| St. Joe State Park, Park Hills | Harris Branch Trailhead Parking Lot | 10 a.m. – Noon |
| Stockton State Park, Dadeville | Gordon Cemetery Parking Area | 10 a.m. – Noon |
| Table Rock State Park, Branson | White River Valley Trail, Trailhead 1 | 10 a.m. – Noon |
| Wallace State Park, Cameron | Campground Showerhouse Parking Lot | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Washington State Park, De Soto | 1000 Steps Trail Trailhead | 1 p.m. |
| Watkins Mill State Park and Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, Lawson | East Dam Parking Lot | 10 a.m. – Noon |
| Weston Bend State Park, Weston | Weston Bluffs Trailhead in Beverly | 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. |
For additional questions, go here: https://mostateparks.com/FirstDayHikes . However, someone can hike anytime they want, even without a guide. Numerous trails are already set up for this purpose.
