Ring in the New Year with a First Day Hike at a Florida State Park

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 12/28/2021 10:00 AM EST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 28, 2021

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@FloridaDEP.gov

Ring in the New Year with a First Day Hike

at a Florida State Park

~First Day Hikes will be taking place statewide~

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Port St. Joe

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Park Service invite Florida's residents and visitors to start a healthy new year by participating in one of several First Day Hikes held statewide on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022.

This New Year's Day, Florida State Parks are offering guided hikes at participating parks around the state. Joining in a First Day Hike allows Floridians and visitors to get a head start on a health-focused new year by being active and having fun in the outdoors. Visitors are encouraged to bring friends and family along.

"We value this opportunity to show off our state's natural beauty during the First Day Hikes and hope this will encourage visitors to return throughout the rest of the year," said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton. "Start the new year off right and enjoy Florida's diverse and unparalleled outdoor resources and recreational opportunities, from natural springs to coral reefs."

"First Day Hikes are a great way to begin 2022," added Chuck Hatcher, acting director of Florida State Parks. "First-day hikers can enjoy 2,200 miles of both paved multi-use and off-road trails. Florida State Parks trails are not only great for hiking, but also for running, cycling and exploring with children."

Scheduled events include a scavenger hunt complete with hidden signs at Oscar Scherer State Park near Sarasota, a three-quarter-mile, self-guided tour through the history of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway near Ocala and a scenic, winding walk through three natural communities at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Port St. Joe.

Find a First Day Hike event at a park near you.

About the Florida Park Service

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of four National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first four-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005, 2013 and 2019 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Outdoor Florida® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit FloridaStateParks.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/301d579