New Year, New Adventures in the PA Wilds

Even as a kid, New Year’s Day always meant a late celebration followed by sleeping even later into the first day of the new year. While the memories are cherished, I find that starting off the new year by hitting the snooze button half a dozen times isn’t exactly the inspiration I’m looking for to start my year off. So I’m planning on participating in the First Day Hike. 

First Day Hike originated in 1992 Massachusetts, but by 2012 became a national movement led by America’s State Parks organization. PA’s own Department of Conservation of Natural Resources (DCNR) is no exception to this tradition and has First Day Hikes scheduled at many of their state parks. With the PA Wilds region holding more than 2 million acres of public land, its almost hard not to go on a hike in this beautiful region! 

Here are the State Parks in the PA Wilds that are hosting First Day Hikes:

Find the list of all PA State Parks participating in First Day Hike, and other events, on the DCNR Calendar of events.

Guides to the PA Wilds

The PA Wilds is a vast region, filled with beautiful scenery and many kinds of roads to travel down. Whether you are a PA Wilds region native or are visiting the area, there are two great resources for navigating and exploring the PA Wilds: PA Wilds Outdoor Discovery Atlas & PA State Parks & State Forest Passport.