The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands will host free, guided hikes in five (5) state parks on New Year's Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative. That initiative, held in all 50 states, offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2015 at a state park close to home.
"Last year, nearly 5 and a half million people visited Maine during the winter season, many to enjoy the outdoors," said Governor LePage. "We have some of the best skiing in New England and Maine is the premiere snowmobiling destination in the eastern US. We also have some of the most beautiful State Parks, which remain open all-year long. To ring in the New Year, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands will host free, guided hikes in five state parks throughout Maine on New Year's day."
Commissioner Walt Whitcomb highlighted the natural connection between Maine's outstanding
recreational opportunities and a healthy lifestyle. "On nearly every New Year's resolution list is the goal of better physical fitness," said Whitcomb. "Our state parks make it easier to be healthy. Give the electronics a little time off and be healthier by enjoying our state parks. Last winter, beginning with our First Day Hikes, nearly 4,000 people participated in our Take It Outside/Winter Family Fun Days."
"We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks," said Tom Morrison, Acting Director of the Bureau of Parks and Lands. "First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks."
Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the park. First Day Hikes will take place at the following locations and times:
Lily Bay State Park, Beaver Cove - 12 noon - Leisurely 2.5 mile ranger led hike along the shore of Moosehead Lake to investigate the wonders of the season. Wear warm clothes, sturdy shoes or boots and bring your own snacks. Meet at the entry booth parking lot. FMI: 695-2700
Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg - 1:00 p.m. - Easy 1-mile hike on the Fox Island tombolo investigating tidal pools. Wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear. Meet at the West side parking lot. FMI: 389-1335
Range Ponds State Park, Poland - 12:30 p.m. - Easy 1.5 mile ranger led hike on our interpretive trail and along the beach; just one short hill. Hikers are encourage to bring warm clothes, boots or snowshoes if the snow is deep. Meet at flag pole in front of bathroom buildings. FMI: 998-4104
Sebago Lake State Park, Casco - 10:30 a.m. - Leisurely 1.5 mile woodlands hike to explore the wonders of the season. Snacks will be provided and hikers should wear warm clothes and sturdy foot wear. Snowshoes are a good idea if people have them. Meet at the day use area boat launch. FMI: 693-6231
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, Freeport - 10:00 a.m. - Leisurely 0.3 mile guided walk to enjoy Winter in the Woods' and learn how plants and animals survive the cold winter months. The program length is approximately 1 hour in length; please wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear. Meet at the picnic shelter by the second parking lot; dogs are not suitable for this hike. FMI: 865-4465
Play All Winter in Maine State Parks!
Maine's forty-eight state parks and historic sites offer year-round recreational opportunities. Winter is a great time of year to walk the beaches, trek the woods and observe signs of wildlife - a tracker's paradise! Winter Family Fun Days and the Ski & Snowshoe Trailer offer families and outdoor enthusiasts ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors long after New Year's Day. Even those parks not staffed during the winter season are open to visitation from 9 a.m. to sunset daily.
Visit http://www.maine.gov/dacf/winterfamilyfundays and http://www.parksandlands.com to see complete event listings, review trail conditions and locate a park near you.
For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf
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