Grad Profile Leaderboard

Enjoy miles of fun in 2021 on a first day hike at a Texas State Park

by | Dec 31, 2020 | Latest

Start the new year in nature with a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park. This New Year’s Day, walk, bike or paddle your way into 2021 on a First Day Hike at 89 Texas State Parks.

First Day Hikes is an annual event at Texas’ state parks and natural areas that aims to help visitors commit to their New Year’s resolutions to get healthy. Last year, 5,242 visitors ushered in 2020 by hiking, biking and riding a total of 9,564 miles statewide.

For those in Collin County, Bonham State Park is offering a self-paced hiking event Friday, Jan. 1. Enjoy a self-paced hike along the park’s roadway or get out on the trails and see their historic CCC structures. Meet their volunteers along the way and learn about the park’s history and natural resources.

To help with social distancing, many hikes will be self-guided while guided hikes may limit the number of participants.

“If nothing else, 2020 has shown us the value of getting outdoors,” Director of Texas State Parks Rodney Franklin said. “Personally, I am looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020, having some black-eyed peas and starting out the new year with a First Day Hike. Spending time outdoors is a great way to connect with friends and family in a healthy way. While we must still recreate responsibly, I hope that everyone will join us in ushering in 2021 with a First Day Hike at your favorite state park.”

Trails at Texas State Parks range in length and difficulty levels across the state, including short, easy trails that are perfect for family-friendly scenic strolls as well as trails that are more strenuous for experienced hikers. Trail maps for all Texas State Parks can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s website and individual park webpages.

Anyone planning a trip to a Texas State Park should keep in mind that parks are operating at a limited capacity. Reserving a day pass in advance is highly recommended since some parks are expected to reach their capacity limit. Reserve day passes online through the TPWD reservation website or by calling (512) 389-8900.

The TPWD encourages visitors to practice responsible recreation and follow posted rules including wearing a mask when inside buildings or when social distancing may not be possible. Local and statewide limitations and restrictions apply and can change rapidly, so the department recommends checking social media or calling the park directly for updates before traveling.

For more stories like this, see the Dec. 31 issue or subscribe online.

From Staff Reports • [email protected]

Grad Profile Leaderboard

0 Comments

Subscribe 300x250 - Love

Related News

City gears up for annual Celebrate Trails Day

City gears up for annual Celebrate Trails Day

Celebrate Trails Day Saturday, April 26, at the Chaparral Trail Head. A group bike ride, open to all ages, is scheduled to leave the Onion Shed at approximately 9:30 a.m. Community members are invited to hit the trail and celebrate the outdoors during the annual...

read more
Potential emergency services district outlined

Potential emergency services district outlined

Commissioner Darrell Hale, center, speaks to residents who live within the ETJ about the formation of an emergency services district at a meeting Monday, April 14 at the fire station. A panel of four leaders responded to questions about the formation of an emergency...

read more
Early voting starts April 22

Early voting starts April 22

Residents from Collin County cities with upcoming general elections will head to the polls later this month to begin the early voting process to elect city council members and Collin College trustees in contested races. The first day of early voting is Tuesday, April...

read more
Final scores for week of April 7-12

Final scores for week of April 7-12

Farmersville's Alicia West and the Lady Farmers fell 4-2 to Caddo Mills on Tuesday, April 8. Photo by Jerry Winfrey / C&S Media From Staff Reports Final scores for games played by Farmersville from April 7-12: Friday, April 11 Baseball Farmersville 2, Community 1...

read more
Nonprofit sheds light on human trafficking

Nonprofit sheds light on human trafficking

Natalie Alonzo, Poiema’s education and outreach director,  teaches HT(Human Trafficking) 101 to clubs, churches and groups. She gave an abbreviated HT 101 to Farmersville Rotarians last month. Courtesy photo Human trafficking thrives in the shadows, preying on...

read more
Tee time for annual fundraiser

Tee time for annual fundraiser

For the 26th year, the Farmersville Rotary Club is hosting its annual Bob Tedford Memorial Golf Classic, the club’s only major fundraiser. This year’s tournament is scheduled for Thursday, May 1, at Wylie’s Woodbridge Golf Course, and the registration deadline is...

read more
Subscribe 300x250 - Love