DCNR Encourages Pennsylvanians to Trek into 2025 During First Day Hikes Across the Commonwealth’s Public Lands
HARRISBURG– The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) last week announced it will host more than 70 guided hikes in 46 state parks and one forest district on New Year’s Day, as part of the nationwide “First Day Hike(opens in a new tab)” initiative.
These guided hikes, all taking place on Wednesday, January 1, help promote a healthy start in the new year while offering every Pennsylvanian an opportunity to forge new and stronger connections with the outdoors.
“First Day Hikes are the perfect way to start the year by immersing yourself in Pennsylvania’s natural spaces,” said DCNR Secretary Dunn. “This year, we’re encouraging everyone to connect with our public lands — whether that means discovering programs at our state parks, exploring new outdoor activities, or uncovering the rich history preserved within our landscapes. Let’s make 2025 a year of connection and exploration.”
DCNR staff and forest staff, as well as volunteers lead the hikes, which are usually about one or two miles. Some hikes can be longer depending on the park and its terrain.
The following Pennsylvania state park and forest locations are participating during daylight hours on January 1, 2025:
- Bald Eagle State Park
- Beltzville State Park
- Big Elk Creek State Park
- Black Moshannon State Park
- Blue Knob State Park
- Boyds Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area
- Buchanan State Forest
- Caledonia State Park
- Canoe Creek State Park
- Chapman State Park
- Codorus State Park
- Cook Forest State Park
- Cowans Gap State Park
- Delaware Canal State Park
- French Creek State Park
- Gifford Pinchot State Park
- Greenwood Furnace State Park
- Hills Creek State Park
- Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center
- Kings Gap Environmental Education Center
- Kinzua Bridge State Park
- Lackawanna State Park
- Laurel Hill State Park
- Lehigh Gorge State Park
- Little Buffalo State Park
- Lyman Run State Park
- Marsh Creek State Park
- Maurice K. Goddard State Park
- Moraine State Park
- Nescopeck State Park
- Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center
- Ohiopyle State Park
- Parker Dam State Park
- Pine Grove Furnace State Park
- Point State Park
- Prince Gallitzin State Park
- Pymatuning State Park
- Raccoon Creek State Park
- RB Winter State Park
- Ridley Creek State Park
- Sinnemahoning State Park
- Susquehannock State Park
- Tyler State Park
- Vosburg Neck State Park
- Warriors Path State Park
- Washington Crossing Historic Park
- Whipple Dam State Park
- White Clay Creek Preserve
As a part of Mosaic, the department’s initiative to create a more inclusive environment in outdoor spaces, and in response to survey data identifying challenges and equity concerns(opens in a new tab), DCNR is hosting Mosaic hikes at several parks. Learn more about First Day Hike events on DCNR’s website(opens in a new tab), where you can filter hikes by various audiences, including families, seniors, and pet-friendly options. Hikers are invited to share their experience on social media using #FirstDayHikes.
First Day Hikes are organized by the National Association of State Park Directors(opens in a new tab) to promote healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks. All 50 states have cooperatively sponsored First Day Hikes since 2012. Visit America’s State Parks website(opens in a new tab) for more information on First Day Hikes nationally.
Earlier this year, Governor Josh Shapiro launched the Commonwealth’s new tourism brand, Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway(opens in a new tab). Pennsylvania’s state parks offer free opportunities to take a break from the daily grind and enjoy natural spaces. Each year, America’s state parks receive more than 725 million visits, which helps contribute billions of dollars to the U.S economy. State parks are a “close to home” resource and an important part of our country’s fabric, enhancing our quality of life.
The Shapiro Administration is committed to investing in the outdoors for the mental and physical health befits tied to time in nature. DCNR recently celebrated $10 million in support for trail projects(opens in a new tab) across the Commonwealth and Pennsylvania’s 2023-24 budget included $112 million for state park and forest infrastructure, the single largest investment in public land infrastructure in decades. Respondents to recent DCNR surveys(opens in a new tab) overwhelmingly agree that increasing permanent funding for parks and recreation should be a priority.
In 2025, DCNR is trekking into its 30th anniversary and will celebrate its stewardship of the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks, 2.2 million acres of state forestland, and the work it does to make nature a better place for Pennsylvanians and visitors alike throughout its anniversary year. Check out DCNR’s 2024 Wrapped on Facebook(opens in a new tab) to learn more about the department’s highlights from the past year.
In addition to First Day Hikes, many Pennsylvania state parks also have self-guided hikes, story walks, and adventure labs available in all four seasons. More information is available on DCNR’s website(opens in a new tab) or DCNR’s Calendar of Events.
