***This event has been cancelled.***

State parks across the nation will be stepping out in the new year at first day hikes.

Lake Darling State Park is one of 27 Iowa State Parks participating in the movement with a 1.5-2 mile walk on its trail system. Lake Darling State Park Ranger Zach Haworth explains the purpose of the hike, “It’s meant to kind of kick off the new year in a good, healthy way, and to get people outdoors and into the parks in times that they might not normally think to be out there.”

Haworth says the cold won’t prevent the Friends of Lake Darling from hosting the hike, “The event will go on whatever the weather conditions, so we encourage folks to dress appropriately and we look forward to having another successful event.”

All ages are welcome to the first day hike, which begins at 10 a.m. Monday at the park lodge. Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided.