AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine State Parks is encouraging people to begin 2020 with a focus on healthy lifestyles by participating in the America's State Parks First Day Hikes program on January 1. State parks in all 50 states are participating in providing guided hikes.
In Maine, five state parks are participating. Maine State Parks staff and volunteers will lead hikers along trails that will showcase the beauty of Maine. The distance and the difficulty of the trails vary from park to park, but the hikes are designed to benefit the entire family.
###Maine's 2020 First Day Hike Locations and Details:
####Bradbury Mountain State Park
**Date**: January 1
**Time**: 10:00 a.m.
**Location**: 528 Hallowell Road, Pownal, Maine; Meet at the upper parking lot. **Description**:
Join us for a guided hike to the summit with Maine Guide Jeanne Christie. Along the way learn about the history of the park, species identification and tracking. We will be hiking to the summit on the Northern Loop Trail, and return to the base down Terrace Trail, where hike participants will be able to get warmed with a nice cup of Hot Cocoa. Wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear. Meet at the upper parking lot. Plan on one to two hours; Snow shoe rentals available. **Fee**: Free park admission for First Day Hike participants!
**For more information** please contact the park at (207) 688-4712 or Jeanne Christy at (207) 310-8708.
####Holbrook Island Sanctuary **Date**: January 1
**Time**: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
**Location**: Indian Bar Road on Cape Rosier, Brooksville, Maine; Meet at the Backshore Trail parking area.
**Description**: Join us for a leisurely mile and a half walk, for all ages, to enjoy the peacefulness of the coast of Maine. We will meet at the Backshore Trail parking area and walk old roads out to the shoreline trail with views of Holbrook and Islesboro Islands. We will break at Goose Falls (a reversing tidal waterfall) and return by Back Road. Snacks and hot drinks provided. Please bring appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions. Leashed pets are welcome.
**Fee**: Free; no admission charged. **For more information** please contact the park at (207) 326-4012.
####Lake St. George State Park
**Date**: January 1
**Time**: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
**Location**: 278 Belfast Augusta Road (Maine Route 3), Liberty, Maine; Meet at the first Day Use parking lot past the entry booth.
**Description**: Join us for a leisurely 1-mile hike through the day use area and campground or a 3-mile hike across the lake around Hawaii 2 Island, dependent on ice conditions. Meet at the first Day Use parking lot past the entry booth. Please bring your snowshoes, creepers, skis and or hiking boots, and dress for the weather. A warming hut will be located inside the barn. Snacks and hot beverages will be provided. Leashed dogs are welcome. This is a beginner level hike.
**Fee**: Free park admission for First Day Hike participants!
**For more information** please contact the park at (207) 589-4255.
####Lily Bay State Park
**Date**: January 1
**Time**: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
**Location**: State Park Road, Beaver Cove, Greenville (Lat 45.568853, Lon -69.538450); Meet at the entry booth parking lot (Rte. 15/6 to Lily Bay Rd. to State Park Road).
Description: Join us for a leisurely 3-mile hike near Moosehead Lake to investigate the wonders of the season. There will also be a 1-mile hike for beginners. Snacks and hot drinks provided at end of hike along with a warm bonfire. Wear warm clothes and boots or snowshoes. Meet at the entry booth parking lot (Rte. 15/6 to Lily Bay Rd. to State Park Rd.)
**Fee**: Free park admission for First Day Hike participants!
**For more information** please contact the park at (207) 695-2700.
####Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
**Date**: January 1
**Time**: 2:00 p.m.
**Location**: 426 Wolf Neck Road, Freeport, Maine; Meet at the picnic shelter by the second parking lot.
**Description**: Join us for a leisurely 0.3 mile guided walk to enjoy 'Winter in the Woods' and learn how plants and animals survive the cold winter months. Wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear. Meet at the picnic shelter by the second parking lot. Plan on one hour. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash at all times. Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided after the hike.
**Fee**: Free park admission for First Day Hike participants!
**For more information** please contact the park at (207) 865-4465.
First Day Hikes began more than 25 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, which is a state park in Massachusetts. It is sponsored by the National Association of State Park Directors, which promotes and advocates for state park systems throughout the nation.
**ABOUT MAINE BUREAU OF PARKS AND LANDS** BPL provides environmental and economic benefits for the people of Maine by protecting and managing its most valued natural and cultural resources and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. With over 1.5 million acres in its care, including 48 state parks and historic sites, the Maine Public Lands, and conservation easements, BPL protects thousands of miles of hiking- and multi-use trails, ocean and lake beaches, swimming, camping and picnic sites and shelters, health and nature appreciation and outdoor recreation events and programs. For more information visit http://www.parksandlands.com.
**About The National Association of State Park Directors ** NASPD promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With more than 6,792 park areas and visitation of 813 million people annually, the economic impact to local communities is estimated to exceed $20 billion each year. Americas State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. http://www.stateparks.org
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