Start Your Year Off On The Right Foot With These First Day Hikes Throughout Missouri
By Liz Oliver|Published December 30, 2017
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Liz Oliver
Author
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
A new year means time for new experiences and new memories! Why not start the year off with a hike through some of Missouri’s most beautiful state parks. The Missouri State Parks system manages over 90 sites and offers Missourians over 1,000 miles of trails to explore. So, it’s likely that there are many parks that you and your family have yet to explore. Enter 2018 on the right foot and take a first day hike guided by an experienced ranger at a Missouri State Park.
All across Missouri park rangers are layering up for the first day hikes.
At Robertsville State Park hikers will take a guided trek along Spice Bush Trail. This one hour hike through the Meramec River’s floodplain will certainly be a refreshing start to 2018.
As a part of the national First Day Hikes initiative by America's State Parks, Missouri will be hosting guided hikes in many state parks.
Hikers can meet at Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center for a guided tour of Prairie State Park in hopes of spotting the buffalo. Rangers suggest bringing snacks and wearing extra layers since the prairie can be quite windy.
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Most of the guided hikes are suitable for beginners but they are more difficult options for those who want the challenge.
At Lake Wappapello State Park hikers will discover Asher Creek Trail. This 2.5 mile trek is rated moderate. With the help of the park ranger you'll have opportunities to view waterfowl and wildlife.
At Graham Cave State Park visitors can explore one of Missouri's most significant archaeological sites. The hike is less than a mile long and will be guided by Lorie Volenburg. Learn about the indigenous peoples who once occupied Graham Cave while enjoying some fresh air.
For those looking to get more exercise in 2018, these first day hikes will be the perfect way to start the new year.
Bennett Springs State Park is well known by anglers but it's also a great park for hiking. Join park ranger Bobby Sharp for a guided hike along Savanna Ridge Trail. The hike should take about two hours and will showcase the beauty of Spring Hollow.
Although temperatures will be low, once you are bundled up and moving the hike will be quite enjoyable.
Hike on parts of the Rockywood and Opossum Track trails in Washington State Park. This one mile hike is will take you over rugged terrain as your guide points out the unique features of the park.
Some of the first day hikes have been canceled or adjusted due to inclement weather so be sure to check with your local state park before heading out for your hike.
Take a new year's hike on Coakley Hollow Trail, which winds through one of the most ecologically diverse areas of Lake of the Ozark State Park. The trail is a moderately difficult, one-mile loop and the hike will last just over an hour.
For a list of all the hikes available on new year’s day visit the Missouri State Park events page here. Would you be interested in starting the year with a hike in one of Missouri’s beautiful state parks? Tell us which park you’re interested in exploring in the comments below.
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