State parks to host First Day Hikes
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
New Year’s revelers will get the chance to welcome in 2012 in a new way, with four guided “First Day Hikes” sponsored by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, under the Maine Department of Conservation.
Aroostook State Park is among the facilities taking part in the event.
“This event partners us with all the other states in the nation,” said ASP Director Scott Thompson.
Maine state parks are joining a nationwide initiative among all 50 states to offer First Day Hikes as a way for individuals and families to connect with great outdoor fun and to create special, holiday memories. The Jan. 1 hikes mark the first time all U.S. state park systems have joined together to sponsor the event.
As part of the initiative, four easy and fun hikes, led by park staff at four different Maine parks, will take place on Sunday. All the hikes are free — in fact, no admission will be charged at any open Maine state park on New Year’s Day.
“What a great way to start the New Year — outside at Maine state parks,” said Will Harris, BPL director. “I hope folks will make this a New Year’s tradition.”
“There’s no better way to kick off the New Year than with a hike at a state park,” noted Ruth Coleman, president of the National Association of State Park Directors, which is sponsoring the national program. “Think of it as the start of a new and healthy lifestyle for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling, join us at one of America’s state parks on New Year’s Day.”
Maine’s four, family-friendly First Day Hikes offer a variety of outdoor locales to experience at a special time of year, from the mountains of Aroostook County to Down East coastal seascapes to popular ocean-front parks. The four hikes will take place as follows:
• 8-11 a.m., Aroostook State Park, Presque Isle — groomed, classical cross country ski trails; sliding hill; lodge open as a warming area, with hot cocoa, coffee, water and snacks provided; snowshoe rentals, $5 a day, please call 768-8341 to reserve;
• 8:30-10:30 a.m., Cobscook Bay State Park, Edmunds Township — groomed ski trails; hot cocoa, water and snacks provided; snowshoe rentals $5 a day, call 726-4412 to reserve;
• 2-3 p.m., Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport — free snowshoe use, courtesy of L.L. Bean, call 865-4465 to reserve; and
• 10:30-11:30 a.m., Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg, phone 389-1335.
Focusing on the natural landscapes of each park, the four hikes will have different themes, according to Gary Best, BPL assistant regional manager, who is organizing the statewide event.
“Our Maine state parks are very different on Jan. 1 than they are at the height of summer,” Best said. “We think these guided hikes at this time of year will offer visitors something new and different to experience.”
At Aroostook, known as “Maine’s First State Park,” Thompson will focus on “Stories in the Snow,” discussing park history, hike etiquette, animal track identification and winter habitats.
Best urged participants to dress appropriately in layers, wear sensible footwear and bring water. He also suggested that visitors bring a lunch and spend the day at the park of their choice.
“People should come prepared,” Best said. “We would love people to spend more time at the parks at the conclusion of the walks.”
Thompson said this is a great way to stay fit with family and friends.
“Aroostook State Park and a few other parks here in the state are participating to make this day a great start for family wellness and healthy activities. We have some great snowshoe and ski trails available to enjoy,” said Thompson. “We’re hoping for a great turnout to mark this first park event of the New Year. Our next big event will be Family Winter Fun Day on Feb. 25.”
For more information, call the parks directly or visit www.parksandlands.com.
