Two area parks offer New Year’s Day hikes

Two area state parks will be a part of a free, New Year’s Day event sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The agency will sponsor free, guided hikes in Michigan state parks on New Year’s Day – plus additional hikes throughout the week – as part of America’s state parks “First Day Hikes” initiative.
According to the Michigan DNR, First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the new year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike New Year’s Day at a nearby state park.
Last year, nearly 28,000 people hiked 68,811 miles in state parks across the country as part of the inaugural First Day Hikes for all 50 states.
Michigan state parks are extending the celebration to a full week of healthy events to start off the new year. Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Barry County and Warren Dunes State Park in Berrien County will stage events to coincide with the promotion.
Yankee Springs events start at 11 a.m., activities at Warren Dunes begin at 10 a.m.