
Washington, DC (PRWEB) January 05, 2012
America’s State Parks stepped into 2012 in spectacular fashion with guided First Day Hikes across the country in all 50 states January 1st. From Florida to Alaska and Maine to California, over 14,000 people celebrated the New Year by hiking in a state park, choosing from 400 hikes sponsored by state park systems throughout the nation. In past years, many parks have offered special programs on New Years Day, however, this is the first time all 50 state park systems joined together as Americas State Parks to host First Day Hikes on January 1, 2012.
We thought that New Years Day was the perfect opportunity for people throughout the nation to start 2012 by connecting with nature, engaging in physical activity in our state parks and promoting healthy lifestyles all year long, said Ruth Coleman, President of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD). We are thrilled with the turnout for this inaugural event and hope that these hikes have inspired our visitors to continue hiking and recreating in our state parks throughout the year.
Physical activity and getting out in nature is essential to our well being, said Phil McKnelly, NASPDs Executive Director. Our state parks are the perfect backdrop for exercising and having fun, as well as enjoying the diversity of the natural resources that are a hallmark of our country.
The majority of hikes were moderate, appealing to a wide audience, yet some adventure seekers selected strenuous hikes to get their hearts pumping for the New Year! Nationwide, participants hiked over 30,000 miles, enjoying a diversity of landscapes and a variety of temperatures. Many spotted wildlife, experienced commanding views and learned some history of the parks they visited.
In Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick joined 84 hikers for a strenuous First Day Hike up Mount Greylock, the state’s first wilderness state park and the state’s highest peak. Across the state, at the Blue Hills Reservation, the Massachusetts state park where First Day Hikes originated 21 years ago, 1000 people joined ranger led hikes after signing a Naturally Healthy New Year Resolution. Participants pledged to engage in outdoor recreation in state parks and to eat locally grown and produced food products to promote good health.
In California, over 500 visitors who hiked in 25 state parks were treated to some unique sights. Fittingly, 16 people greeted 2012 at A






