Florida’s State parks celebrating First Day Hike 2013

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service invites the public to get back to nature and start the New Year out right by participating in America’s State Parks First Day Hikes 2013 on Jan. 1, 2013.

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 Jan. 1 at a state park. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

Grayton Beach State Park

Time: 10 a.m. – 12 Noon
Grayton Beach State Park would like to invite the public to get back to nature and start the New Year out right by participating “America’s State Parks First Day Hike 2013”. Come see how Grayton Beach State Park is restoring wet bog prairies and learn about the flora and fauna that call the state park home. Participants will meet at the ranger station for a 3 1/2 mile round trip hike. The degree of difficulty for the hike is “Moderate”. Hikers are asked to wear/bring the following: hat, long pants, insect repellant and closed toe shoes or hiking boots, bottled water. Pets are not allowed. Persons 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent.

Fees: Park entrance fees will be waived to all participants. Contact: (850) 267-8300
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Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Time: 12:45 – 3 p.m.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is hosting a nature trail hike in support of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes. Come enjoy your local state park on the first day of the New Year and take a 2 mile hike along our Turpentine Trail featuring many of the ecosystems that make Topsail unique. This is an easy hike in which all ages can participate. Park at the Day Use parking area and meet at the Tram Stop. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, camera, and/or binoculars.

Fees: Program free to participants with paid park admission fee. Contact: (850) 267-8332
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Camp Helen State Park
Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
Camp Helen State Park is hosting a Nature Trail Hike in support of Americas State Parks First Day Hikes promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles to Florida’s citizens and visitors. First Day Hike is a good time for everyone to get active and get healthy by taking advantage of the great physical activity opportunities that Florida State Parks have to offer. Meet at the Day-Use area off Hwy. 98.
Fees: Program free to participants with regular paid park admission fees.
Contact: (850) 233-5058
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Florida Caverns State Park
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Florida Caverns State Park will be hosting guided nature walks in support of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes. Join us for a day of exploration as we stroll through natural communities.  A Park Ranger will interpret both the floodplain forest and a temperate hard wood forest as you look for wildlife and enjoy the seasonal features before you.

Fees: Program free to participants with regular paid park admission fees.
Contact: (850) 482-1228
Directions: Florida Caverns State Park is located three miles north of Marianna, off of U.S. 90 on State Road 166. From Tallahassee, take I-10 west to exit 142, turn right on Highway 71 and travel north to Highway 90. Turn left. Follow brown park signs. From Pensacola: Take I-10 east to exit 136, turn left on Highway 276, travel north to Highway 90. Turn right. Follow brown park signs.

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 Noon
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park will be celebrating the New Year with a First Day Hike.  A Park Ranger will lead participants on a guided trail walk. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offers a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family. Event is weather permitting.

Fees: Park entrance fees will be waived to all participants.
Contact: (850) 833-9144
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St. Andrews State Park

Time: 12 Noon – 3 p.m.
St. Andrews State Park is hosting America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offering individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike along two guided wildlife viewing trails. The Heron Pond Trail starts at a Turpentine Still replica and winds through a number of plant communities where visitors may encounter wading birds and many small animals. The Gator Lake Trail & Overlook provide visitors with a beautiful vantage point for spotting alligators, a variety of waterfowl, wading birds and other small animals. Each trail is approximately 0.5 miles in length. Participants are asked to bring water, insect repellent, binoculars and cameras. Beach wheelchairs can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis by contacting Ashley Melton at (850) 233-5164.

Fees: Park entrance fees will be waived to all participants.
Contact: (850) 233-5164
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Blackwater River State Park
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 Noon
Blackwater River State Park will be hosting a park ranger led hike. Join us for a leisure 1 mile hike on the Chain of Lakes Trail along the beautiful Blackwater River to welcome in the New Year. Participants should bring water, close toed shoes, and a picnic lunch. Meet at the South Bridge Picnic Area. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.
Fees: Program free to participants with paid park admission fee.
Contact: (850) 983-5363
Directions: Blackwater River State Park is located 15 miles northeast of Milton, off U.S. 90. Heading East on I-10, exit 31 (Hwy 87N). Half mile, right turn on Highway 90. Seven miles to town of Harold. Left turn onto Deaton Bridge Road. Three miles to main gate. Heading West on I-10, exit 45 to town of Holt (blinking light). Left turn onto Highway 90. Approximately 15 miles to the town of Harold. Right turn on Deaton Bridge Road. Three miles to main gate.

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park
Time: 12 Noon – 2 p.m.
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park would like to invite you to start the New Year off on the right foot with a leisurely Ranger-guided hike along the 1.3 mile Tarkiln Bayou Trail. This trail is ADA accessible, with an “easy” degree of difficulty.  Along the way, staff will share their knowledge of native plants found in the park. Please dress for the weather. Suggested items to bring with you include: drinking water, a camera, binoculars, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. The walk is both wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Fees: Standard park entry fees apply for this event.
Contact: Kiersten Wilson 850-492-1595
Directions: The entrance to Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park is located 10 miles southwest of Pensacola on CR 293, approximately two miles south of US 98 and seven miles north of SR 292A (Gulf Beach Highway).