First Day Hikes is an annual, nationwide event co-sponsored by America's State Parks. First Day Hikes began in Massachusetts in 1992 and spread nationwide in 2012. The event encourages people to start the new year with an outdoor adventure.

First Day Hike events in Montana are planned at the following parks:

• Cooney State Park
  • This will be a fairly easy hike on Trail A at Red Lodge campground. You will hike from the East end to the West end of the campground and back. You will have the opportunity to see deer, rabbit, bald eagle, osprey and many other species of birds.
• First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park
  • The Loop Trail is approximately a 3-mile moderately strenuous hike. The hike starts from the visitor center and gains 400 feet in elevation to the top of the Buffalo Jump.
• Makoshika State Park
  • The Bluebird Trail is a moderate, 1-mile out-and-back hike. There is a little incline about halfway through the hike, and the trail is slippery when wet.
• Missouri Headwaters State Park
  • Fort Rock Trail is a 2-mile easy hike but certain spots may be icy depending on weather.
• Pictograph Cave State Park
  • Journey through time as you explore one of Montana’s most ancient homes, occupied by humans for over nine thousand years, this site tells the story of the early peoples of North America, as they sought refuge in the natural rock shelter of the cliff and told their stories for generations by painting them on the walls of this sacred place.
• Several state parks in northwest Montana
  • Participating parks include Flathead Lake State Park (all units), Lone Pine State Park, Somers Beach State Park, Whitefish Lake State Park, Les Mason State Park, Lake Mary Ronan State Park, Logan State Park and Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park.
• Spring Meadow Lake State Park
  • Take a short interpretative hike (0.9 mile) discussing the history and flora/fauna of Spring Meadow Lake State Park
• Travelers’ Rest State Park
  • Walk in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and talk about how Travelers’ Rest State Park is the only archaeologically verified campsite of the Expedition in the nation.

For more details about these hikes go to fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/first-day-hikes

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