MADISON — Celebrate the new year by stepping into the outdoors with a first day hike. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will join in the annual adventure sponsored by America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day for the 11th year in a row.

Each year Wisconsinites join the thousands of people across the nation to kick off the new year by hiking at state parks, forests or trails on New Year’s Day. These hikes provide a way for individuals and families to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature. For many it has become a cherished tradition.

“Getting active outdoors through hiking or other forms of winter recreation is a great way to connect with family and friends in a healthy way. Start the year out right with a hike at a Wisconsin state park,” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Park and Recreation Management Program Bureau Director.

With over 22 million visitors, Wisconsin state parks, forests and trails feature some of the Midwest’s best scenery. The change in seasons doesn’t mean an end to exploring the outdoors. Wisconsin’s beautiful state parks, forests and trails offer opportunities to get outdoors — even in winter.

Guided hikes will be available at several properties across the state including Newport, Roche-a-Cri, Buckhorn, Governor Thompson, Amnicon Falls and Mirror Lake state parks as well as at Richard Bong State Recreation Area and the MacKenzie Environmental Education Center.

Participants are also welcome to create their own first day hikes by exploring Wisconsin’s state parks open year-round, each offering a variety of scenic winter hiking opportunities to explore. Visit the DNR’s Find A Park webpage to locate parks.

First day hike participants are invited to share their adventures using the hashtags #OutWiGo and #FirstDayHike on Instagram.

Additional opportunities to hike by moonlight or candlelight trails will be held throughout the winter. For a complete listing of first day hikes and candlelight events, check out the DNR events calendar.

Properties may have restroom facilities and warming shelters available during these events. To help slow the spread of COVID-19, visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing and wear a face covering if social distancing cannot be followed.

A vehicle admission sticker is required to visit state park system properties. Stickers can be purchased online, in-person at individual state parks, by phone by calling a local state park property office directly during office hours (credit cards accepted) or in-person at DNR service centers.