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Step Outdoors in the new year for a First Day Hike!

These hikes are designed to be easier, slower-paced, family hikes for almost any age. There are exceptions, but more about that later. Hikes are taking place on January 1, 2018 at Hills Creek State Park at 1pm, Lyman Run State Park at 12pm and Sinnemahoning State Park at 12pm. No registration is required, but you do need to get up off the coach or push away from those holiday leftovers! Watch the forecast and dress for the weather, in layers, wear sturdy boots, and consider at least water or even a snack to reward younger (or older?) legs along the journey. If there’s snow or ice out there, bring equipment along if you have it. Otherwise, parks will provide a limited number of snowshoes or boot traction devices.

Looking for more of a challenge? One hike at Lyman Run will be longer and more for the advanced hiker. Also, at Hills Creek, there will be a no-frills, free 5K fun run around the lake at the same time as the hike so while part of the family may want to hike, others can explore the park at a faster clip. Of course, conditions could be challenging and everyone should come prepared for conditions in the woods.

The hikes are the first in a series of more than two dozen events taking place throughout January and February spread between Tioga and Potter Counties. The series expanded this year to include several existing and new events in Potter. Events range from simple guided hikes to long-standing festivals and events like Winterfest at Hills Creek on January 20th. There’s even talk of a first annual sled dog event in the area.

Check out StepOutdoors.org for a complete listing of events, more details on First Day Hikes as well as trail conditions, maps and more!

So put down that turkey drumstick and join us as we Step Outdoors in 2018!