Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) officials will be joining hikers throughout the state as DCNR again sponsors free, guided hikes in 39 state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.

Last Night/First Day Walk at Presque Isle State Park

Meet at the Rotary Pavilion at Beach 7 on Presque Isle State Park. A Park Naturalist will guide you on a walk approximately 2 miles in length over easy terrain. We will stop at several points along the way to discuss how other countries celebrate the New Year. At around midnight, we will stop at a location along the multi-purpose trail overlooking Presque Isle Bay to the City of Erie. Noise makers are encouraged! Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on state park grounds.

No fee but registration is required.

Programming is subject to modification or cancellation at the discretion of park staff. If you need an accommodation to participate in Park activities due to a disability, please contact Presque Isle State Park at 814-833-7424 to make arrangements for your visit. With at least three days’ notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs. Please call the Erie ASL Interpreters’ Office at (814) 806-2511 for more information about this service.

Tuesday, December 31 at 11:00pm to 12:30am
301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 1, Erie, PA 16505-2042

First Day Hike at Pymatuning State Park

Welcome the New Year on a hike with family and friends. Join the park naturalist for a hike along Sugar Run Trail. This will be an easy hike on flat terrain approximately 1 mile in length. We will snowshoe if there is enough snow. A limited number of snowshoes will be available on a first come, first served basis. If you have snowshoes of your own, bring them along. Children ages 5+ are welcome.

The program is free. Please dress for the weather. We will meet at Pavilion #1 on the lower side of the dam near the fishing pier and Shenango River Launch. For more information, contact Emily Borcz at (724) 932-3142 ext. 106 or eborcz@pa.gov.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at 10:00am to 11:30am
2660 Williamsfield Road, Jamestown, PA 16134-3560

First Day Hike at Kinzua Bridge State Park

Planning on making some New Year’s resolutions? Consider starting your "New Year" off with a healthy walk along the General Kane Hiking Trail on January 1, beginning at 10 a.m. This "First Day Hike" is an approx. 1.5 mile easy to moderate walk in the woods. During the hike, look for signs of wildlife in the area. This trail is in the “open to hunting” area, so participants are asked to wear orange hats and vests.

Wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. In case of a deep snow event, a limited number of snowshoes are available. Meet at the Visitor Center Lobby. Coffee and hot chocolate provided after the walk in the Visitor Center Classroom!

Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at 10:00am to 1:00pm
296 Viaduct Road, Kane, PA 16735