Florida State Parks want to help you usher in the New Year with a "First Day Hike."
More than 35 events are planned at parks across Florida on Jan. 1 as part of a national initiative to get folks out to their state parks. And unlike national parks, the federal shutdown won't affect state park facilities on the first day of the new year.
You can find a complete list of the January events at the Florida State Parks website, and here are some of the First Day Hikes happening in South Florida:
John D. Macarthur Beach State Park
10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive
North Palm Beach FL 33408
10:00 am - 11:30 am EST
"Take a walk through time on a family-friendly trek at MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach. … First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year feeling rejuvenated and connected with the outdoors.
At MacArthur Beach the First Day Hike will explore the unique natural and historic aspects of the Park. The hike will be approximately 1.5 miles long walking on wooden board walks and dirt trails and the beach. Degree of difficulty is moderate.
Trails are ADA accessible, please call in advance if a beach wheel chair is needed (561-624-6950). Plan to wear walking shoes and bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray."
Contact: arthur.carton@floridadep.gov
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
1200 Crandon Blvd
Key Biscayne FL 33149
9:00 am - 10:30 am EST
"Join Florida Park Staff and volunteer Cathy Zises, Certified Kripalu Outdoor Mindful Guide, for a special First Day Hike at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park! This Mindful Outdoor Guided Walk will offer a powerful nature-based experience: For your body: Release Stress, breathe fresh air, and get moving. For your mind: Settle your awareness on nature's soothing atmosphere. For your spirit: Venture into the woods to gain inspiration from the living earth. … Participants are asked to bring a cushion of towel to sit on."
Contact: lu.dodson@dep.state.fl.us
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
County Road 905, MM106
Key Largo FL 33037
10:00 am - 11:00 am EST
"Start your new year off on the right foot with our First Day Hikes! Join a park volunteer for a guided exploration of a Key Largo gem to learn more about the history of the park and the plants and animals it protects. Walkers will meet at the big yellow arch at the front of the park."
Contact: lindsey.crews@dep.state.fl.us
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
County Road 905, MM106
Key Largo FL 33037
10:30 am - 11:30 am EST
"Join us at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park at 10:30am to walk into 2019 with our littlest park explorers. Explore a portion of the loop trail with a park ranger, and learn about some of the plants and animals that call this park home. All ages are welcome, and you may bring a stroller or a baby carrier if you choose, or your children may walk on their own. Please note that this hike will be paced by our littlest explorers, so expect it to be slow and gentle. We will stay together as a group and let our young explorers lead the way! Suggested items to bring: bug repellent or suitable clothing, sneakers or walking shoes, and a water bottle. Although this walk is geared toward young children, parents or caregivers must join us on our adventure, so come prepared to play and explore with our friends."
Contact: lindsey.crews@dep.state.fl.us
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
MM102.5 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo FL 33037
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST
"Start your new year off on the right foot with our First Day Hikes! We will explore the forest with our five senses on this hike designed for children ages 8 and younger. Please bring good walking shoes and a reusable water bottle. This walk is not stroller accessible, baby carriers and walking toddlers are welcome."
Contact: lindsey.crews@dep.state.fl.us
