West Virginia's state parks and state forests are hosting eight "First Day" hikes on Friday to encourage nature lovers and those with New Year's outdoor fitness resolutions to start 2016 on the right foot, with a guided walk through the woods.
First Day hikes are taking place throughout the nation on Jan. 1, as part of an initiative by the America's State Parks organization.
"Park chiefs and directors across the United States are encouraging the use of state parks on the fist day of the new year," said Sam England, chief of the West Virginia State Parks system. "Hiking is one of the top activities enjoyed by visitors on trails and pathways year-round at our parks and forests."
Those taking part in Friday's First Day hikes will receive the West Virginia First Day Hike patch in the mail. The hikes are free and open to the public. Hikers are urged to wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. First Day Hikes will take place at:
n Kanawha State Forest - Join Park Superintendent Kevin Dials at the swimming pool parking lot at 2 p.m. for an afternoon hike along a to-be-announced route to start off the new year. For more details, call 304-558-3500.
n Blackwater Falls State Park - Meet park naturalist in lodge lobby at 10 a.m. for a brisk wintry walk along park trails looping back to Blackwater Lodge, including Shay Trace, Balanced Rock and Elakala trails, covering about 2 miles with short interpretive stops along the way. Hike leader is Paulita Cousin. 304-259-5216.
n Pipestem Resort State Park - Meet hike leader Kim Hawkins in the McKeever Lodge lobby at 1 p.m., and expect to be outdoors and on the trail for up to two hours. 304-466-1800.
n Cacapon Resort State Park - Meet at 10 a.m. in Cacapon's Thomas Ambrose Nature Center to explore the natural beauty along Ridge Trail on a 1.5-mile hike that traverses several hills. Hike leader is Renee Fincham. 304-258-1022, ext. 5209.
n Twin Falls Resort State Park - A hike led by Cody Cochran will depart the Twin Falls lodge at 10 a.m. and involve an hour-long walk along roadside and golf course pathways within the park. 304-294-4000.
n Bluestone State Park - A 30-45-minute hike led by Ben Leedom will focus on the trees of Bluestone. The hike will begin at 10 a.m. starting from the boat launch below the park office. 304-466-2805.
n Cass Scenic Railroad State Park - Walk a section of the Greenbrier River Trail with hike leader Monica Fleming, starting at 11 a.m. from the Cass Visitor Center. 304-456-4300.
n Tygart Lake State Park - Meet hike leader Nichole Streets at 10 a.m. in the Park Office/Nature Center for a walk along Lake Trail. 304-265-6144.
To encourage hiking throughout the year, West Virginia State Parks Chief Sam England and the National Park Service, with help from Active Southern West Virginia and the YMCA of Southern West Virginia, are sponsoring separate challenges encourage people to hike 100 miles during 2016.
"It's an achievable goal over the course of a calendar year," said England, sponsor of the state park system's Chief's Challenge. "It's also a great way to meet some outstanding naturalists and interpreters in our state parks system."
Guided hikes are offered during the summer at many state parks and forests, and during non-summer months at state parks with lodges and cabins.
Under the terms of England's Chief's Challenge, participating hikers must walk at least 10 of their 100 miles with a park naturalist. In addition to taking part in naturalist-led hikes posted on the state park system's Website, groups of eight or more Chief's Challenge hikers can book a hike in advance with park naturalists at mutually convenient times. Participation is free but enrollment is required. Enrollees receive a Chief's Challenge sticker soon after enrolling.
Information on the program, including an enrollment link and mileage log sheet, is posted at www.wvstateparks.com/Hikes_Walks.html.
To help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, the NPS is hosting its own Hundred Mile Hiker program in the New River Gorge National River and Bluestone National Scenic River. Participants keep track of the miles they hike in the National Park Service units, and when they reach the 100-mile mark, qualify for a prize as well as Hundred Mile Hiker recognition.
Participants may hike alone or take part in group hikes, which will be led monthly throughout the year at different locations in the park. kTo register, send name and email address to NewRiverGorge100MileChallenge@nps.gov, or call 304-465-2515. Monthly emails will be sent to registrants, and the New River Gorge's Facebook page and Twitter account will also be used to provide news about suggested hikes and additional group hikes.
To download a hiking log for the program, go to www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/upload/FORM-100mile-LOG.pdf. To learn more about hiking trails in the park and their mileage, visit the hiking page on the New River Gorge National River's Website.
A 100-Mile Challenge Start-Up Hike will take place on Saturday, starting at 10:30 from the Grandview Visitor Center, with National Park Service ranger leading a 3.2-mile hike along Grandview Rim and Turkey Spur trails, offering sweeping views of the New River Gorge.
Reach Rick Steelhammer at rsteelhammer@wvgazette.com, 304-348-5169, or follow @rsteelhammer on Twitter.