By Renae Blum
The holidays are over, but for hundreds of Nebraskans, the arrival of New Year’s Day means there’s still one celebration left to enjoy: a First Day Hike.
First Day Hikes are a nationwide initiative to get people outdoors on Jan. 1 to enjoy state parks through free, guided hikes. Started in 2016 in Nebraska, the tradition has continued to grow. Last year, a record number of 22 Nebraska state parks participated, with more than 1,000 hikers in total.
Joining the fun in 2025 is the Cowboy Trail, which is offering a First Day Hike for the first time in honor of its 30th anniversary.
When people come out on that day — despite the cold, despite the temptation to sleep in — they’re often surprised by how fun it is, said Bob Hanover, an assistant parks administrator with Nebraska Game and Parks.
And each park puts its own twist on the experience. Past hikes have included activities such as sledding, winter birding, horseback riding and looking for wildlife tracks. Last year, Schramm Park State Recreation Area opened a classroom at the education center so people could create winter art on mini canvases after the hike. The park’s trail routes also featured mini paintings dangling from trees for children to find.
At Ash Hollow State Historical Park, a First Day Hike is “like a family reunion,” said Lisa Albee, a resident of Lewellen. The park hosts a potluck for attendees after the hike, featuring soup and leftover holiday goodies.
The event is filled with camaraderie, Albee said. “We chatter, chatter, chatter all the way up and down,” she said, laughing. She recalls one year, when the park got a lot of snow, a 75-year-old gentleman was having a great time making snow angels.
“It’s become a celebration of the new year and of nature — sort of a spiritual connection with nature to kick off the new year,” Albee said.
Phil Miles, a superintendent at Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area near McCook, has been surprised by the turnout at their First Day Hikes. Last year, 82 people attended, making it one of the most well-attended in the state.
“We’re way out here in the middle of nowhere. To get that many people to do a First Day Hike is pretty incredible, I think,” he said. “It puts Red Willow on the map.”
Most hikes are in the morning and are 1-2 miles long, with a low level of difficulty. Everyone is welcome, including children and dogs on a 6-foot leash, though hikes are generally not stroller-friendly.
If you attend a First Day Hike, dress for the weather, bring water and plenty of snacks, and wear appropriate footwear. You can expect educational interpretation along the way, and often a bonfire and treats afterward.
To find a hike near you, search “First Day Hikes” at OutdoorNebraska.gov. A park entry permit is required at all locations, except for the Cowboy Trail.