National initiative encourages Americans to get out in nature

All across the country, park rangers are inviting Americans to start the New Year with an energizing First Day Hike on January 1.  In Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites, dozens of guided treks will encourage friends and families to connect with nature and each other.  First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative from America’s State Parks to get people outdoors, with hundreds of hikes scheduled in all 50 states.

According to Georgia State Park rangers, winter’s landscape offers hikers the chance to  see farther through the woods. Unique tree shapes, moss-covered boulders, small streams and wildlife are unobstructed by summer’s foliage. Ranger-led hikes on New Year’s Day are listed on GeorgiaStateParks.org/events and even include a daring Black Bear Plunge into Fort Mountain State Park’s lake. For guests who want to celebrate New Year’s Eve in nature, Georgia’s State Parks offer cozy cabins, heated yurts, lodge rooms and modern campsites. For reservations, call 1-800-864-7275 or book online at GeorgiaStateParks.org.