“First Day Hikes” have been one of DCNR’s annual programs since 2012, when the National Association of State Park Directors created the yearly promotion.

In the past few years, more than a dozen state parks have joined the initiative and host their own programming, as only 36 parks participated on Jan. 1, 2023, and 49 are involved this year.

Local parks in Centre, Cambria, Blair, Bedford and Huntingdon counties are offering hikes on New Year’s Day at various times throughout the day.

Considering individuals’ health intentions for the new year, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said guided hikes can start the year off right.

Participants enjoy a First Day Hike along a trail at Prince Gallitzin State Park. Guides will lead this year’s hike at the park starting at 10 a.m. Thursday. Courtesy photo

As people create new habits, she said guided hikes provide an “opportunity to get fresh air and stretch your legs.”

“If you do it the first day, you’re more likely to do it every day of the year,” she said.

Prince Gallitzin

A walk through Prince Gallitzin State Park is a good way to start the new year, according to park manager Jess Lavelua.

In Patton, guides will lead hikers at 10 a.m. through a 250-foot elevation change, beginning at the Beaver Valley Marina and looping on Gates Trail. The hike is expected to cover two miles of terrain.

John King and Julie Overdorff of Altoona make their way along a trail at Canoe Creek State Park on Tuesday afternoon. Canoe Creek will offer a First Day Hike from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, New Year’s Day. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Another hike around the shoreline will take place later that day at 1 p.m. as a stroller and wheelchair-friendly alternative. Along the way, guides will share campground history and winter recreation facts.

The hikes will be led by Lavelua, along with the environmental education specialist Suzann Rensel and assistant park manager Tim Yeager.

To prepare for the frigid first morning, Lavelua said hikers should wear orange due to the extended firearms season, dress in layers and wear boots that can “handle two inches of snow.”

Despite the projected weather, she said guides will “make it fun.”

First Day Hikes give people a chance to “put all of the holiday stresses behind them,” Lavelua said.

Canoe Creek

From 1 to 4 p.m., an estimated 100 hikers will trek through Canoe Creek’s fields and forests on the first day of 2026.

“Bring your families and have some fun,” environmental education specialist Heidi Mullendore said.

The Friends of Canoe Creek will provide hot chocolate and coffee around the campfire at the Wentz Education Center before hikers embark on their frosty journey.

There, hikers can choose a more difficult trail led by intern Cheyanna

Walters through the woods and fields of Canoe Creek, which totals about 2 hours, or a less arduous option with Mullendore along the gravel pathways.

The hikes encourage people to get out of their homes and enjoy their local state parks, Mullendore said.

“I’ve had people come into our education center and say, ‘I didn’t know this was here because we never left the fishing spot,'” Mullendore said. “We can get people introduced to hiking here.”

Trough Creek

Trough Creek State Park will be hosting its sixth annual First Day Hike this year, encouraging Huntingdon County residents to explore nearby nature.

Hikers will meet at pavilion number 5 about 12:30 p.m., where park manager Joe Basil will lead a two-mile hike up Old Forge Road and through the Swinging Bridge. A shorter hike guided by conservation volunteer Diane Mansberger will overlook Raystown Lake, taking about a half-mile to a mile.

Because of the rocky terrain, Basil said hikers should wear proper shoes with good ankle support to avoid injuries and bring a water bottle along for the trip.

Being outside is a “good release” for people, he said, and because many are off on New Year’s Day, a guided hike is an “easy start to the year.”

Black Moshannon

A day hike and two Ultraviolet night hikes will be offered at Black Moshannon State Park Jan. 1.

UV night hikes require pre-registration.

The first hike will start at 2 p.m. at the Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. Led by environmental specialist Michelle McCloskey, the hike will follow the Lake Loop Trail, completing three-fourths of a mile.

Later that night, the UV night hikes will start at Boat Launch No. 3 and travel around the Bog Trail, using light to see winter insects and environmental conditions for a quarter of a mile.

Because of the park’s limited number of UV lights, park manager Mathias Weinzen said the night hikes are capped at 20 people each.

Considering recent winter weather, Weinzen

said hikers should bring hats and gloves to stay warm in freezing temperatures.

Guided hikes are an easier way for people to start 2026 off right, Weinzen said. So it becomes easier for people to continue their resolutions throughout the year.

If you’re planning on hiking Jan. 1, check weather conditions before heading out and dress accordingly. In case of inclement weather, contact park offices or visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr for more information.

If you go

State parks throughout the region will offer First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day, Thursday.

Prince Gallitzin State Park: 10 a.m., 1 p.m.

Canoe Creek State Park: 1 to 4 p.m.

Trough Creek State Park: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Black Moshannon State Park: 2 to 3:30 p.m.; 6 to 7 p.m.; 7 to 8 p.m.; pre-registration is required for night hikes

Shawnee State Park: 1 to 3 p.m.

Bald Eagle State Park: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Laurel Ridge State Park: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Parker Dam State Park: 10 a.m.