Interested in a 'first day hike'? Here's where you can go in Central Missouri
Are you or your family looking for a new tradition and a way to be more active in the new year? Well, Central Missouri State Park staff and volunteers will host First Day Hikes on Jan. 1 in the region, with many happening at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.
First Day Hikes provide a means for individuals and family to welcome the new year in the outdoors, exercise and connect with nature, the National Association of State Park Directors said. If hiking is not your forte, the association also recommends boating, fishing, horseback riding or any other number of outdoor activities to celebrate a First Day Hike.
"America’s State Park programs are committed to promoting outdoor recreation for everyone to help address obesity and nature deficit disorder, especially in children," the association said on its website. "Furthermore, outdoor activities rejuvenate the mind and body, promoting overall mental and physical health and wellness."
While all guided hikes are taking place Jan. 1, they start at different times. Registration is required in most cases through icampmo.com, using the "Choose Date" option on the "Activities" page to find the specific First Day Hikes. If visiting elsewhere in Missouri over the holiday season, The Missouri State Parks website has a full list of upcoming events, including First Day Hikes. Event listings also have information on event registration.
Here's when and where First Day Hikes will take place in Central Missouri:
Jefferson Landing State Historic Site
This 1 1/2-mile hike starts 1 p.m. from the Lohman Building at 100 Jefferson St. in Jefferson City. This hike includes urban exploration around the historic site, the Capitol Complex and Jefferson City's Deborah Cooper Park on Adrian Island.
The tour which will include views of the Missouri River and historic buildings. The hike is on sidewalks with slight to moderate inclines, including the Bicentennial Bridge. Guides will use a bluetooth-enabled microphone, so it is recommended to bring headphones to hear all the information.
More information is available by calling 573-751-2584.
Katy Trail State Park
The 2-mile hike starting 1 p.m. from the Katy Trail trailhead in Windsor will be in the section of the Katy Trail that connects with the Rock Island Trail. Hikers will learn about Rock Island Trail creation and operation. Some wildlife could be seen.
This is considered an easy hike on a packed gravel surface. This hike requires registration. Use the "Choose Date" option to find the "First Day Hike on the Rock" listing through icampmo.com. More information is available by calling 660-563-2463.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Multiple hikes are planned throughout the day from three separate locations in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park at 5901 S. Highway 163.
There is a morning and afternoon 1 3/4-mile hike starting from the Devil's Icebox parking lot. The morning hike starts 9:30 a.m., while the afternoon hike starts 12:30 p.m. The hike will include a number of stops to learn about the history and geology of the area. Hike difficulty is moderate due to the long, gradual hill on a dirt-and-gravel terrain of the Sinkhole Trail and pathways through the woods, along a boardwalk for the last 1/4-mile. The route includes stairs, is not stroller accessible and not recommended for children under four unless they are carried by a parent or guardian. Features of the hike include the 19th century town of Rockbridge Mills and its whiskey distillery and former homes, Ingrum Springs, entrances to two sinkhole pit caves, the opening of Devil's Icebox Cave and the Rock Bridge. Space is limited, so registration is required.
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For those up for a longer challenge a 3 3/4-mile hike starts noon from the park's playground. It passes through an oak-hickory woodland and along Little Bonne Femme Creek for about 1/2-mile. It will take a vigorous pace, traversing several hills. The guide will share information on streams and wildlife. This Deer Run Trail is not stroller friendly and again is not recommended for those under four years old unless carried. Registration is required.
The 2-mile hike starting 2:30 p.m. from the Grassland Trail trailhead is more youth friendly. This hike is intended to focus on flying wildlife like sparrows, hawks, along with other flora and fauna. Guests can stick around for an extra 30 minutes at dusk after the hike's conclusion to listen to the remaining daytime activity, watch the sunset and listen to the start of the nighttime activity. This hike is intended for those ages eight and up and space is limited, so registration is required.
More information on all the Rock Bridge hikes is available by calling 573-449-7402.
Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: First day hikes scheduled in Central Missouri State Parks
