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HUNTINGDON - There's nothing quite like starting out the new year with becoming one with nature on the First Day Hike at Greenwood Furnace State Park in Huntingdon.
This year's event is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, on the Greenwood Loop.
Master Naturalist and Standing Stone Trail Club volunteer Kristin Joivell, along with Greenwood Furnace State Park Environmental Education Specialist Jen Moore, will lead the 2.5-mile hike, which traverses several different trails to make up the Greenwood Loop.
"I think attending the First Day Hike - and going hiking in general - is a meaningful activity on so many levels," Joivell said. "Hiking provides a little of something that everyone can connect to, upping physical fitness, socializing with other hikers, connecting with nature, enjoying time unplugged from electronic devices, attaining mental relaxation and clarity and you truly really never know what you're going to see out these in the forest.
"There's always something new to find, even when you visit the same trail more than once," she added.
Hikers should meet at the park office, located at 15795 Greenwood Road, Huntingdon.
Hot chocolate and cookies will be served at the conclusion of the hike. Admission to the event is free and is recommended for ages 5 and up. No registration is required.
Joivell will be leading Sunday hikes for the Friends of Huntingdon Borough Trails in 2024, on Feb. 4, May 5, July 7 and Sept. 1 from 1 to 4 p.m.
"These will focus on seasonal changes at the trail system in Huntingdon Borough, which surprisingly, some residents aren't even aware of," Joivell added.
Joivell will also assist the Standing Stone Trail Club with their community hikes series. Their hike dates are Feb. 3, May 4, Aug. 31 and Oct. 19, with each showcasing a small part of the over 80-mile long Standing Stone Trail. These all start at 10 a.m., except for Aug. 31 which starts at 7 p.m.
"It's a night hike at the Hall of the Mountain King, an iconic rock field, with great stargazing possibilities in store for attendees," Joivell said.
For more information, call (814) 667-1800, visit www.dcnr.pa.gov or find them on Facebook.