First Day Hikes at state parks Jan. 1

If your New Year’s resolution is to live a healthier lifestyle, start it off on the right foot by participating in one of the guided hikes at state parks on New Year’s Day.

First Day Hikes is a program of free hikes offered by the 50 state park systems of the United States on New Year’s Day. In Tennessee, hikes are designed for all ages and abilities and offered at various times of the day.

Here’s where to find a First Day Hike in this region Wednesday, Jan. 1:

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON STATE PARK

› Where: 5801 Champion Road

› When: 8-10 a.m.

› For more information: 423-894-4955

Greet the first day of the new year with a sunrise hike.

Dress warmly and meet a ranger at the trailhead in the swimming pool parking lot for a 2-mile trail hike as the sun rises. All ages are welcome, but children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Also, although the hike is free, registration is required.

CUMBERLAND MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

› Where: 24 Office Drive, Crossville, Tenn.

› When: 10-11 a.m. CST

› For more information: 931-484-6138

Meet a ranger at the restaurant terrace for a brisk, mile-long trek on the Cumberland Plateau Nature Trail. All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Dress warmly, wear sturdy shoes and bring water.

FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK

› Where: 2009 Village Cap Road, Spencer, Tenn. › When: 10 a.m. CST

› For more information: 423-881-5298

Meet at the Fall Creek Falls main overlook for this strenuous, mile-long hike from the overlook to the base of the falls and back.

Dress warmly, wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks.

FORT LOUDOUN STATE HISTORIC PARK

› Where: 338 Fort Loudoun Road, 149 Blockhouse Road, Vonore, Tenn.

› When: 1-3 p.m.

› For more information: 423-420-2331

Meet at the Tellico Blockhouse for a ranger-led mile-long hike to and around the ruins of the blockhouse. Dress for cold weather, wear sturdy shoes and bring bottle of water. Hike will be held rain or shine.

HIWASSEE/OCOEE RIVERS STATE PARK

› Where: 404 Spring Creek Road, Delano, Tenn.

› When: 10 a.m.-noon › For more information: 423-263-0050

Meet at Gee Creek office and carpool to Taylor’s Island parking area on the Hiwassee River for a 2-mile hike to Fishermen’s Trail and Lowry Falls. These trails are rated easy-to-moderate.

Bring a nonperishable food item for donation to a local food bank.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring water and dress for the weather.

RED CLAY STATE PARK

› Where: 1140 Red Clay Park Road, Cleveland, Tenn.

› When: 1-2 p.m.

› For more information: 423-478-0339

Learn the history of the park and the Cherokee people during this short, ranger-led hike on a paved path. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.

SOUTH CUMBERLAND STATE PARK

› Where: Meet at 1183 Stone Door Road, Beersheba Springs, Tenn.

› When: 9-11 a.m. CST › For more information: 931-924-2980

Join a ranger at Stone Door Ranger Station for a pleasant, 2-mile hike that takes visitors to the park’s best overlook. Dress warmly, wear hiking boots and bring water.

STAFF FILE PHOTO BY TIM BARBER Greet the first sunrise of the new year on a sunrise hike at Booker T. Washington State Park in Harrison on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Participants should keep an eye out for wetlands fowl like this blue heron on a park pier.