Rejuvenate by taking a family friendly trek through a state park close to home

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service will sponsor free, guided hikes in nine state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012 at a state park close to home. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

In the Walton County area, Camp Helen State Park will be hosting a guided hike on Jan. 1, 2012 at 10 a.m. This two-mile ranger lead hike winds through beautiful oak hammocks, coastal dune lake areas out to a gorgeous white sand beach. Water, insect repellant, sun screen and appropriate shoes/clothing for weather conditions and terrain are recommended. For more information, call (850) 233-5058. Click here to learn more about Camp Helen State Park.

If you are interested in heading out on your own self-guided hike, here is a list of Walton area State Parks offering great trails:
Grayton Beach State Park
Eden Gardens State Park
Deer Lake State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Ponce DeLeon Springs State Park
Rocky Bayou State Park
Henderson Beach State Park