Nebraska Game and Parks is offering the annual First Day Hikes program at 20 state parks and agency sites this year including 2 in the Panhandle: Chadron State Park and the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area south of Gering.
Each hike is guided and leading Sunday’s Chadron State Park First Day Hike will be Park Superintendent Gregg Galbraiith He says they will meet at 1:00 at the Sawmill Shelt and take the scenic Steamboat Butte Trail
Galbraith says the trail is a moderate 1-mile hike with fantastic views of the surrounding area.
Sunday’s weather forecast calls for rain and maybe a little snow in the afternoon, but likely not until after the First Day Hike is over. Still, Gilbraith recommends warm clothing, appropriate footwear, water bottles, cameras, and binoculars..
Dogs are welcome on a 6-foot leash, in part because they may encounter a variety of wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and birds.
The Wildcat Hills hike is longer at 5-miles, starts at 1:00 at the Nature Center and features rocky buttes, ponderosa pine woodlands and the animals that call the area home.
As at Chadron State Park, pets on a 6-foot leash are welcome. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided after the hike.
Those participating in the hikes are encouraged to tag @NEGameandParks in their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram posts for a chance to be featured in the agency’s social streams.
A valid Nebraska state park permit is required for all vehicles entering park areas and since it will be New Year’s Day, you need to buy a 2023 permit at the park offices or online at outdoornebraska.gov
Nebraska’s First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. Last year, nearly 55,000 people rang in the New Year by collectively hiking over 133,000 miles on First Day Hikes.