McCormick’s Creek State Park will offer a healthy chance to ring in 2012 with a guided hike on Jan. 1.

The state park’s mile-long hike, part of the national program America’s State Parks First Day Hikes, will be an “ice photo safari.”

Participants will hike along a trail looking for photo opportunities along the frozen creek and canyon. Afterward, everyone will meet at the Canyon Inn in the park for refreshments and warm drinks. A small prize will be offered for the best ice photograph. Participants should bring digital cameras if they have them.

In case of inclement weather, call (812) 829-4344 for potential cancellation.

The difficulty level of the hike is moderate. There is no minimum age requirement. Participants should meet at the Canyon Inn at the state park at 2 p.m. The hike will be guided by an interpretive naturalist, and is being sponsored in part by the Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park.

For more information on the national program, see www.americasstateparks.org. A press release on the national program is at:

http://www.prweb.com/releases/americas-state-parks/first-day-hikes/prweb9008524.htm

The hike is free, as is gate admission during the winter season.

McCormick’s Creek State Park is at 250 McCormick’s Creek Park Road, Spencer, 47460.