We’ve all probably packed on a few pounds over the holidays and many will make a resolution to take that off during the new year.
One of the best ways to tackle that problem is hiking and Kevin Dials, Assistant Superintendent for the Kanawha State Forest, says he hopes many will head to their local parks for a hike.
Around the state, a number of First Day Hike programs are set for New Year’s Day. It’s a chance to get in the first hike of 2013 and, hopefully, set people in motion for many more to come.
“It’s just a way to get people out to use their public lands in the winter time,” Dials said. “It’s a reminder they’re there, even when it’s cold and nasty outside.”
Dials will lead the First Hike on New Year’s Day then, later in the month, the Shirley Schweitzer Memorial Walks are scheduled for January 26th at Kanawha State Forest.
Dials says usually people only enjoy the state parks and forests in West Virginia in the summertime when the weather is nice. He says he thinks you’ll be shocked if you visit in the winter.
“You’ll actually find a lot better visibility without the foliage on the trees and the under brush,” he said.
“You’ll find different wildlife and different behavior of wildlife during the different seasons and things you didn’t see before.”
He adds the snow adds scenic beauty to the state parks and forests.
Most state parks and forests have at least a few hiking and biking trails and the larger parks have extensive hiking trail networks. Maps of those trails explaining the route and the degree of difficulty are available through the state park and forest offices.
The sites participating in the First Day Hikes are Kanawha State Forest, Blackwater Falls State Park, Cacapon Resort State Park and Twin Falls State Park.
You can find out more at www.wvstateparks.com.