Ring In The New Year On One Of Missouri’s Many First Day Hikes

As we barrel toward the beginning of a New Year, we often start to reflect on the year that has just passed and what we hope to accomplish in the months ahead. Whether we prefer to go big with celebrating or prefer a quiet New Year’s Eve at home, we all have our traditions for ringing in the New Year. Have you considered how you’ll spend the first day of 2024 yet? How about on a First Day Hike in Missouri?

Start the New Year with a brisk, beautiful hike on one of the First Day Hikes, held at several Missouri state parks on Jan. 1, 2024.

If you’re a morning person, make your way to Montauk State Park in Salem for a First Day Hike along the moderately-difficult Pine Ridge Trail. Tallying just under two miles, hikers will set off at 10 a.m., and the hike is expected to take around two hours.

Big Sugar Creek State Park in Pineville will also host a First Day Hike, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Carve out around three hours for your guided journey along the Ozark Chinquapin Trail, a moderately difficult trail.

Don’t worry about having to get up early to join in on the fun. Several Missouri state parks are hosting First Day Hikes that will set off in the afternoon. Join other hikers on a New Year’s Day adventure at St. Francois State Park in Bonne Terre.

Hikers will join a guide for a First Day Hike, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., on the moderately difficult Swimming Deer Trail. The trail meanders along the Big River and through the woods and promises stunning views from a bluff.

If you’re in or near Ste. Genevieve, join the First Day Hike at Hawn State Park. It’s set for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will follow the White Oaks Trail.

Registration is required for all of the Missouri First Day Hikes. Make sure you dress for the weather; wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring plenty of water.

Leashed pets are allowed on some of the hikes.

Check out the full list of First Day Hikes in Missouri on the official website of Missouri State Parks.

Will you ring in the New Year on a First Day hike in Missouri? Or have you in the past? Let us know in the comments! If you’d rather just relax on the first day of the New Year, why not check out one (or more) of the best hikes in Missouri later in January? Before you hit the trails in 2024, make sure you’ve got a comfy pair of hiking boots.