Jump into the New Year with a hike! What better way to start the new year than enjoying nature with friends on the first day of the year! Enjoy a new park, a new activity or just share your old favorites with friends and the public.

First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors.  On New Year’s Day, hundreds of hikes will be organized in all 50 states.  Kids and adults across America will be participating in First Day Hikes, getting their hearts pumping and enjoying the beauty of a state park. Last year nearly 55,000 people rang in the New Year, collectively hiking over 133,000 miles throughout the country!

You are invited to savor the beauty of Illinois state park’s natural resources on the first day of 2025, so you may be inspired to take advantage of these local treasures throughout the year.

Click Here To First Day Hike trail map