‘First Day Hikes’: Ring in the new year with a hike at Florida state parks

ORLANDO, Fla. — Get ready to ring in the new year by participating in one of several “First Day Hikes” on New Year’s Day.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Park Service invite Florida’s residents and visitors to start a healthy new year at a Florida state park.

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“We value this opportunity to show off our state’s natural beauty during the First Day Hikes and hope this will encourage visitors to return throughout the rest of the year,” said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “Start the new year off right and enjoy Florida’s diverse and unparalleled outdoor resources and recreational opportunities, from natural springs to coral reefs.”

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Park officials said there are scheduled events, including a scavenger hunt at Oscar Scherer State Park near Sarasota, a three-quarter-mile, self-guided tour through the history of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway near Ocala and a scenic, winding walk through three natural communities at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Port St. Joe.

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“First Day Hikes are a great way to begin 2022,” added Chuck Hatcher, acting director of Florida State Parks. “First-day hikers can enjoy 2,200 miles of both paved multi-use and off-road trails. Florida State Parks trails are not only great for hiking, but also for running, cycling and exploring with children.”

Click here to find a park near you.

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