HELENA – Kick off the New Year right with a First Day Hike at a state park near you. On Jan. 1, Montana State Parks will host First Day Hikes at Flathead Lake State Park (Wayfarers, West Shore and Lone Pine units), Somers Beach State Park, Missouri Headwaters State Park, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, Spring Meadow Lake State Park, Lake Elmo State Park and Makoshika State Park. These fun and informative hikes are open to all ages and are family friendly.

Flathead Lake State Park (Big Arm, Wayfarers and West Shore Units)

Every time you hike, snowshoe, fat-tire bike, sled or cross-country ski a trail at one of these parks, log your miles at the trailhead to help lead your park to victory. At the end of the month, the participants with the most miles from each park will receive a prize. The competition will kick off on Jan. 1 and conclude on Jan. 3.

To earn points, participants must take a photograph of their activities and submit them via email to wayfarers@mt.gov. Please visit stateparks.mt.gov for a full list of points and activities.

Lone Pine State Park

Lone Pine State Park is located 5 miles southwest of Kalispell and offers some of the most vivid views of the valley, 7.5 miles of trails, and a beautiful interpretive center that provides information on living in a wildlife urban interface. While out on the trails in January, a hiker may come across several different mammal tracks or birds that are toughing out the Montana winter.

Somers Beach State Park

The guided hike starts at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1 at the Somers Beach State Park trailhead. This hike will last roughly 1.5 hours and will be about 1 mile. The hike is limited to 20 participants. For more information and to register, call 406-751-5423. 

Council Grove State Park

Hikers can meet at 11249 Mullan Road for a 3-mile round trip hike of Council Gove State Park. The hike will start at about 11 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. While the hike is on level terrain, hikers should be be prepared to cross a channel of the Clark Fork (roughly ankle deep water). All ages are welcome. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. For more information, call the park at 406-210-4335.

Missouri Headwaters State Park

This 1- to 2-mile hike will start at about 11 a.m. from the main picnic grounds by the Gallatin River. A park ranger will lead participants on a tour of Fort Rock. There will be great views of the rivers and the mountains surrounding the Gallatin Valley. Hot chocolate and toasted bagels will be provided by a warming fire. Minimum age is 5 years old. No dogs, please. For more information, call the park at 406-285-3610.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park will be open from noon to  4 p.m. on New Year’s Day for people to enjoy the park’s 3-mile trail. A ranger will lead a guided hike from the visitor center for those who want to learn about the history of the park. For more information, please call 406-866-2217.

Spring Meadow Lake State Park

Visit Spring Meadow State Park for a short, easy hike of just under a mile. The hike will start at 10 a.m. from the Meadowlark group use pavilion. The group will discuss the history, flora and fauna and interesting facts about Spring Meadow. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided after the event. No dogs, please. For more information, call the park at 406-495-3270.

Lake Elmo State Park

This 1.4-mile hike will start at about 1 p.m. from the FWP Region 5 Headquarters (2300 Lake Elmo Drive). Enjoy the urban winter wonderland.  All ages are welcome. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. For more information, call the park at 406-422-2277.

Makoshika State Park

This 1-mile hike on the Bluebird Trail will introduce participants to the badlands topography in this beautiful park. Hike begins at 11 a.m. After the hike, free food, refreshments and drinks will be provided at the visitor center by the Friends of Makoshika. No dogs, please. For more information, call 406-377-6256.

First Day Hike participants are encouraged to share their adventures on social media using #FirstDayHikes. Hikers should wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring a water bottle and ice cleats or snowshoes if the trail conditions are snowy or icy. For more information on these or other Montana state parks, visit stateparks.mt.gov. Out-of-state vehicles are subject to an $8 entrance fee.

First Day Hikes is an annual, nationwide event co-sponsored by America's State Parks, which originated more than 26 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation at a state park in Milton, Mass. All 50 states will be participating in the 10th annual national event that encourages everyone to celebrate the New Year with guided outdoor exploration.