Starting the new year right
By Monica Faram – Clinton Herald, Iowa (TNS)
The end of the year is quickly approaching. As we look forward to the new year, plan to start 2025 off on the right (and left) foot with a hike, stroll, dog walk, bike ride or winter water plunge in your favorite state park.
Whether exercising your body, relaxing your mind or enjoying some social time with friends and family, your parks offer outdoor fun for everyone.
Have you made your New Year’s resolution? Life is better outside. Start the year off with a breath of fresh air at Cleburne State Park.
CSP’s annual First Day Hike begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The ranger-led hike will be a moderate trail to the Civilian Conservation Corps spillway. The trek is about 1.5 miles long.
There will also be an opportunity for more advanced hikers to continue with another park ranger for a longer hike around the perimeter totalling about 4 miles.
Meet the group at the Camp Creek Day-Use area and bring sturdy hiking shoes, water and a trail snack.
This annual tradition allows people of all ages and skill levels a chance to experience Texas’ wild places through ranger and self-guided walks, bike rides, paddling trips, polar plunges and more in honor of the national initiative aimed at getting people outdoors.
Last year, Texas broke not only its historical participation numbers, but it also had the most events, participants and miles hiked of any state. Texas State Parks hosted 177 events where 8,729 people hiked, biked, swam and paddled a record 17,284 miles. The previous statewide record was set Jan. 1, 2023, during Texas State Parks’ Centennial Celebration.
“One of the many reasons that I love Texas is the nice weather that we can have even in the winter and there is no better way to spend a beautiful winter day than walking with friends and family at a Texas State Park,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “Each year, thousands of Texans turn out to a nearby state park to ring in the new year with a First Day Hike and I always look forward to seeing the photos of smiling folks enjoying parks on January 1. Please join us and help Texas State Parks once again become the leader in First Day Hike participation and miles walked for 2025. Hope to see you on the trail!”
Trails at Texas State Parks range in length and difficulty. Some short, easy trails are perfect for family-friendly scenic strolls, while more strenuous ones can challenge experienced hikers. Trail maps for all Texas State Parks can be found on TPWD’s website, the recently redesigned official Texas State Park app and individual park webpages.
“State parks offer an incredible variety of outdoor experiences, showcasing the unique natural and cultural features of each region,” said Lewis Ledford, president and CEO of the National Association of State Park Directors. “Whether you’re trekking through snowy trails in the Rockies or enjoying mild southern breezes, First Day Hikes are the perfect way to start the New Year outdoors and connect with the beauty of our public lands.”
Texas State Parks Passes
While there consider purchasing a 2025 Texas State Parks Pass. The pass gives you and your guests unlimited visits to over 85 parks for the year. Park capacity limits apply, pass holders are not guaranteed entry if the park has reached capacity.
A Texas State Parks Pass costs $70 and is issued to one person (the card holder). You can buy a second pass for someone who lives at the same address as you for $25. Beginning Wednesday, people who renew or purchase a new TSPP will receive an exclusive, limited-run decal to help display their love of Texas state parks.
Buy a Texas State Park Pass on our reservation website or at any state park, or call (512-389-8900 to order a pass (plus shipping and handling). Secondary passes can only be purchased at a park.
You may qualify for a free Texas Parklands Passport. Parkland Passports reduce or waive entry fees for the pass holder. These passes are issued to people who can provide proof of meeting certain qualifications. These groups include seniors, disabled persons, veterans and gold star family members.
The Youth Group Annual Pass allows free entry to state parks for nonprofit youth group members and a reasonable number of adult sponsors.
The pass costs $100 and is valid for one year. Up to a total of 50 kids and sponsors can enter the park with the pass.
To purchase, you must show proof of nonprofit status and certify that your group serves children ages 13 to 17.
(c)2024 the Clinton Herald (Clinton, Iowa)
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