Louisiana State Parks is sponsoring free guided hikes at two parks on New Year’s Day as part of America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes project. First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the new year rejuvenating while connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on Jan. 1. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise and enjoy nature with friends and family.

“We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our beautiful state parks,” Stuart Johnson, assistant secretary of the Office of State Parks, said. “Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories.”

Park staff and volunteer will lead hikes at the following locations and times:

• Lake D’Arbonne State Park in Farmerville will host a hike at 1 p.m., beginning at the Visitors Center. The hike will include about a mile of park trails and conclude with questions and answers at the Visitor Center. Park staff will make maps, clean-up supplies and information about the park available to participants. The event should last between one and two hours. For more information call 318.368.6291.
• Tickfaw State Park in Springfield will host a hike at 10 a.m. at the Bottomland Pavilion. The 3-mile hike will follow the Tickfaw River. Participants will hike and discuss the sites along the way. Hikers are encouraged to bring water and wear hiking shoes. For more information call 225.294.2218.

Details about hike locations, difficulty and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing are listed on America’s State Parks website, www.AmericasStatePark.com. For more information on Lake D’Arbonne State Park, Tickfaw State Park or any of the Louisiana State Parks, please visit www.LaStateParks.com.