So it may be cold for the start of 2019, but it should be dry and there are several First Day Hikes throughout the state on January 1. Many of them include snacks or hot chocolate before or after, and they are all pet-friendly, so long as that pet is on a leash.
Here’s where you can go to ring in the new year out on a Kansas trail:
Clinton State Park
Time of Event: 1:00 P.M.
Trail: North Shores Trail
Meeting Location: Park Office
Details: Warm clothing, good boots, water, trail moderate in difficulty, 2 miles in length
Crawford State Park
Time of Event: 10:00 A.M.
Trail: Spider Leg Bridge Trail
Meeting Location: Beach Shelter
Details: Warm clothing, water resistant boots, water, trail moderate in difficulty, 2 miles in length
Cross Timbers State Park
Time of Event: 2:00 P.M.
Trail: Chautauqua Trail
Meeting Location: Chautauqua Hills Trailhead – Toronto Point
Details: 1.5 miles; Dress warm and bring a camera for wildlife pictures. Refreshments will be provided
El Dorado State Park
Time of Event: 1:00 P.M.
Trail: Walnut River Trail
Meeting Location: Walnut River Cabins
Details: Dress warm and bring a camera for wildlife pictures. Easy to moderate 2 mile hike. Hot Chocolate and coffee will be provided.
Wilson State Park
Time of Event: 1:00 P.M.
Trail: Cedar Trail
Meeting Location: Parking Lot across from Cedar Trail Trailhead – Otoe
Details: Dress warm and bring a camera for wildlife pictures. Hike will be 1 mile and easy in difficulty.
Fall River State Park
Time of Event: 2:00 P.M.
Trail: Post Oak Trail
Meeting Location: Quarry Bay Maintenance Shop
Details: Warm clothing, good boots, water, trail easy in difficulty, 3/4 mile in length, Refreshments provided, What you might see winter waterfowl, eagles, tallgrass ID, and other KS wildlife. The hike will also feature the Cross Timbers ecosystem, with oak savannas that are part of gold growth forests.
Green Property – Pratt, KS
Time of Event: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Trail: Green Recreational Trail
Meeting Location: Barn/Shop, Pratt, KS
Details: Water,snacks,appropriate winter clothing,good walking shoes/boots,binoculars,cameras. Hot Cider and Hot Chocolate after Hike
Kanopolis State Park
Time of Event: 10:00 A.M.
Trail: Split Boulder Trail – 1.6 miles
Meeting Location: State Park Office
Details: Water,snacks,appropriate winter clothing,good walking shoes/boots, binoculars, cameras. Coffee and hot chocolate provided at the park office before and after the hike
Glen Elder State Park
Time of Event: 1:00 p.m.
Trail: Wacanda Trail
Meeting Location: Church
Details: Water, snacks, appropriate winter clothing, good walking shoes/boots, binoculars, cameras.
Perry State Park
Time of Event: 10:00 A.M.
Trail: Nature Trail – 2 1/2 miles
Meeting Location: Lakeview Parking Lot
Details: Dress in layers and dress warmly; warm gloves and head covering; good walking/hiking shoes; walking/hiking poles, if desired; water and snacks provided.
Pomona State Park
Time of Event: 2:00 P.M.
Trail: White Feather, Bunkers Cove & Morningstar Campgrounds – 1.5 to 2 miles
Meeting Location: Pomona State Park Office
Details: Appropriate Clothing, camera and water. May see Eagles on hike. There will be two options for hikes this year led by Pomona State Park Rangers.
Tuttle Creek State Park
Time of Event: 10:30 a.m.
Trail: Western Heritage Trail – 1 to 3.5 miles
Meeting Location: Tuttle Creek State Park Office
Details: Birdwatching hike, bring binoculars, bird ID booklet, spotting scopes, water, hiking shoes, warm clothing.
Time of Event: 1:00 P.M.
Trail: Eagle Ridge Trail
Meeting Location: Group Shelter parking lot
Details: Dress warm with comfortable, warm hiking shoes/boots. Easy to moderate in difficulty. Snacks
Meade State Park
Time of Event: 2:00 P.M.
Trail: Eagle Trail – 1.25 miles
Meeting Location: Park Office
Details: Dress warm with comfortable, warm hiking shoes/boots. Easy in difficulty. Learn park and area history along the hike.
Time of Event: 10:00 A.M.
Trail: Dune Trail/Prairie Trail 1 mile
Meeting Location: Park Office Cabin
Details: Dress warm with comfortable, warm hiking shoes/boots
Cheney State Park
Time of Event: 2:00 P.M.
Trail: West Side Trail – 1/2 to 3/4 mile
Meeting Location: Park Office
Details: Water, snacks, weather appropriate clothing, hiking boots, binoculars and camera.
Time of Event: 2:00 p.m.
Trail: Flint Hills Nature Trail
Meeting Location: Meet at the Old Depot in Ottawa
Details: Dress warm with comfortable, warm hiking shoes/boots. Pet friendly on leash. Hot Chocolate served after the hike!
Elk City State Park
Time of Event: 12:00 p.m.
Trail: Table Mound Hiking Trail
Meeting Location: Overlook Trail Head
Details: Dress warm with comfortable, warm hiking shoes/boots. Bring water and snacks, if desired. Pet friendly on leash. Easy to moderate in difficulty
Hillsdale State Park
Time of Event: 10:30 a.m.
Trail: Hidden Springs Nature Trail
Meeting Location: Park Office
Details: Dress warm with comfortable, warm hiking shoes/boots.
Time of Event: 9:00 A.M.
Trail: The Nature Trail
Meeting Location: Trail Parking Lot
Details: Dress warm with comfortable, warm hiking shoes/boots.
Share your photos! #FirstDayHikes and #MyKSStatePark
Kansas Trail Guide 