First Day Hike at State Parks in Kansas

Kansas' state parks will be hosting their annual "First Day Hikes" on New Year's Day. This year, 21 Kansas State Parks will be participating. These special events are the perfect opportunity to walk off some of those holiday calories, enjoy nature, and welcome in the New Year with family and friends. If you need more convincing, free First Day Hike t-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks,” said Linda Lanterman, Parks division director for the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. “First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks.”

Kansas’ 28 state parks offer access to over 1,000 miles of Kansas hiking, cycling and horseback trails, ranging from short, paved paths to the 96-mile Flint Hills trails.

First Day Hike trails are generally a mile or two of family-friendly terrain. Park staff lead the treks to help to educate hikers along the way. Many hikes will be along the shores of large lakes, pass through tall, rugged woodlands and/or across broad native prairies. Odds of seeing things like bald eagles and other wildlife are very high, so bring your binoculars.

First Day Hikes began in Massachusetts about 25 years ago. All states, including Kansas, came on board in 2012. Many are held in Canada, too. Most Kansas state parks hosting hikers will offer drinks and snacks. Hikers are also encouraged to bring their own, too. Leashed pets are welcome. Children must have adult supervision.

The guided hikes are free. Participants need a vehicle permit to drive into the park. Daily passes are $5 and sold at self-serve stations in the park. Some park offices will be open to sell daily passes or $25 annual passes. People are encouraged to buy the 12-month Park Passport state park permit when they register their vehicles.

State park Facebook pages will carry the news if hikes are canceled because of bad weather. Head to KSOutdoors to find more details on your chosen hike.

First Day Hike

In anticipation of the wintery weather on January 1, some parks are delaying these events. We have noted below some of those changes, but the most up-to-date information will be at KSOutdoors. Please check before you go!

Cedar Bluff State Park - Meet at the park office at 10 a.m. to hike the new 2-mile moderate terrain ButterfieldTrail, open to hikers of all ages. Pet friendly - on leash.
Cheney State Park – Meet at the park office at 2 p.m. for the 1.5-mile West Side Nature Trail hike; easy to moderate terrain. All ages welcome. Pet friendly - on leash.
Clinton State Park – Event postponed until January 9. Learn more at KSOutdoors. Meet at the entrance of Campground #3 at 10 a.m. to hike on the Blue Trail. The 1.5-mile route is through easy terrain; all ages welcome. Pet friendly - on leash.
Crawford State Park – Meet at the beach shelter house at 11 a.m. to hike the 3-mile Spider Leg Nature Trail, which includes moderate terrain suited for all ages. Pet friendly - on leash.
El Dorado State Park – Meet at the Walnut River Cabins at 1 p.m. for a 2-mile Walnut River Trail hike. The easy to moderate terrain is perfect for hikers of all ages. Pet friendly - on leash.
Elk City State Park – Has 3 hike times, 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Meet at your chosen time at the Overlook trailhead for a 1-mile hike on the Table Mound Hiking Trail. The trail’s moderate terrain is open to hikers of all ages, but be prepared for hiking through some crevices and steep gradients. Pet friendly - on leash.
Fall River State Park – Meet at the Quarry Bay Area Showerhouse at 1 p.m. to hike the 1.5-mile Catclaw Trail. The easy terrain is ideal for hikers of all ages. Pet friendly - on leash.
Flint Hills Trail State Park – Hike from any point on the trail, but stop by to meet park staff at the Signature Bridge or Franklin County Health Department between 1:00-4:00 p.m. to pick up a shirt! Pet friendly - on leash.
Green Recreational Trail in Pratt – Meet at 1 p.m. at the KDWPT barn/shop to hike 1 mile of easy to moderate terrain, open for all ages to enjoy. Pet friendly - on leash.
Hillsdale State Park – Event postponed until January 9. Learn more at KSOutdoors.Meet at the park office at 10:30 a.m. to hike on the Hidden Springs Nature Trail. The 1.5 miles of easy terrain is recommended for hikers age six and up. Pet friendly - on leash.
Historic Lake Scott State Park – Meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m. to hike the Historic Lake Scott Multi-Use Trail. The moderate terrain hike is 1 to 2 miles long and is open to all ages.Pet friendly - on leash.
Kanopolis State Park – Meet at the park office at 10 a.m. to hike the Split Boulder Trail. The 1.6-mile trail can be navigated by hikers of all ages. Pet friendly - on leash.
Meade State Park – Meet at the park office at 2 p.m. for the Eagle Trail hike. All ages are welcome for the 2.5-mile trail of easy to moderate terrain. Pet friendly - on leash.
Milford State Park – Meet at the parking lot near the park office at 1 p.m. to hike on the Eagle RidgeTrail. The 6.1-mile trail includes moderate terrain and is open to hikers of all ages. Pet friendly - on leash.
Perry State Park – Meet at the day-use area in the Wild Horse Campground at 10 a.m. to hike the Wild Horse Trails. Pet friendly - on leash.
Pomona State Park – Event postponed until January 9. Learn more at KSOutdoors. Meet at the park office at 11 a.m. for a trail of your choice, ranging 1.5-4 miles. Hikers of all ages are welcome to enjoy the easy terrain. Pet friendly - on leash.
Prairie Dog (Norton) State Park – Meet at the Nature Trail parking lot at 8 a.m. for a 1.4-mile hike over moderate terrain open to all ages. Pet friendly - on leash.
Sand Hills State Park – Meet at the park office/cabin at 10 a.m. to hike the 1-mile Dune and Prairie trails, which include easy to moderate terrain. All ages welcome. Pet friendly - on leash.
Tuttle Creek State Park – Meet at the park office at 10:30 a.m. to hike the Western Heritage Trail. This hike is open to hikers of all ages and includes easy terrain covering 1 to 3 miles. Pet friendly - on leash.
Webster State Park – Meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m. to hike the 3-mile Coyote Trail over easy terrain. Hikers of all ages are welcome. Pet friendly - on leash
Wilson State Park – Meet at the Cedar Trail parking lot for the 1 p.m. hike on the trail. Easy terrain. Pet friendly - on leash