A chance to spend the first day of 2026 outdoors through the annual First Day Hikes Thursday in state parks across the state.
Pickett State Park Ranger Ashlyn Liner said the hikes will show all the parks have to offer. Liner said all state parks will participate in the program, over 60 parks. Liner said she enjoys taking people on hikes, as every hike is a group of new faces and personalities. Liner said she feels that she connects with her community a bit more through her job, meeting people in her community everyday. Liner said she appreciates both the social and the outdoor aspect of the hikes.
“Being outside shows that it can make you happier if your outside for just 30 minutes a day,” Liner said. “So it’s nice to show them on a short hike just how much you can do in so little time and it’ll make you happier throughout the whole year, it kind of relaxes you, you can figure out what type of hikes you like.”
Liner said this program is a great way to start out the new year for those looking to get outside on their day off, surrounded by nature. Liner said the parks tend to be popular on New Year’s Day, as people tend to be off of work.
“Just getting the community together, having a great time, no negativity, kind of put a pause on life,” Liner said. “Especially after the holidays it’s nice to kind of have that breathing moment of outside.”
Liner said gathering the community together on these hikes is important, as people might meet friends through a hike. Liner said a moderate level of exercise is required to hike these trails, as the terrain factors into the energy output. Liner said there are some stairs and a few hills.
Liner said Pickett State Park will hike Killdeer Arch, an overlook in the area. Liner said participants will also receive a closer viewing of the park landscape.
“You’ll get to see a very wide panoramic view of the plateau that we live on,” Liner said. “And then we’ll also step down and see some of the large sandstone bluffs.”
Liner said this event is a great opportunity to get outside and begin hiking, as many people will be there for support. Liner said rangers will be there to answer questions about the trail.
Liner said most parks have information listed about their trails and hikes on their websites.