Start the New Year with a hike

SOLON Last New Years Day 4,358 people hiked trails in Iowas state parks in an annual First Day Hike event, the highest number since the start of the program in 2012. A reported 145 (also a record amount) of them hiked the nearly 2-1/2 mile round trip on Lake Macbrides Beach to Dam Trail from the main lodge to the dam.
The hike is still on to start out 2021 on the right (or left) foot, but the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is making some substantial changes due to the ongoing pandemic.
A press release from the DNR states, Because of COVID-19, we are excited to offer a First Day Hike Challenge through the Iowa State Park Passport! Check into participating state parks on the passport from Friday, Jan. 1 through Sunday, Jan. 3. Every check-in will qualify for a prize drawing of a two-night stay at a two-bedroom cabin at Lake Darling State Park (near Brighton in SE Iowa). Visit as many parks as you want during the weekend, every check-in counts as a contest entry.
Be sure and look under your parks More Info tab on the Passport to see a Suggested Trail from park staff.
More information about the event can be found online at www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes.
-30-