Twenty Oklahoma state parks, together with Sequoyah, will host free guided hikes on New Yr’s Day, and two state parks will maintain separate hikes Jan. 2- 3.
Oklahoma State Parks Director Kris Marek mentioned in a press launch that the purpose is to advertise bodily health and wellness.
Sequoyah State Park Leisure Coordinator Angelina Stancampiano is shocked the hikes will not be full, however she mentioned some are getting shut.
“Our First Day Hikes are a extremely popular occasion, and we see why. This can be a nice approach to begin out your yr on the fitting foot – exercising and in nature,” mentioned Stancampiano. “We love this annual exercise and have created a protected and private approach to maintain it for 2021.”
In 2019, near 60 individuals attended First Day Hikes in Sequoyah, which shocked Stancampiano.
“For 2020, I made a decision to supply two hikes to unfold out the variety of individuals. Nicely, the climate was a lot nicer in 2020 and we had over 350 individuals. In COVID occasions, we determined to restrict the hikes to fifteen masked members to maintain it protected and pleasing. Nevertheless, that additionally limits the quantity of people that can partake on this occasion,” she mentioned.
Sequoyah has scheduled hikes all through the day, with plenty of park workers guiding totally different size and issue ranges of hikes.
“I’m lucky to have many co-workers – from our Girls Who Hike Oklahoma ambassador and gross sales coordinator on the lodge Jo Reese, to my two staff Jon Weeden and Sierra Coon, to our assistant lodge supervisor Eric Rigg, and Park Ranger Zach Early – to agree to guide hikes of their very own,” mentioned Stancampiano.
Parking charges will probably be waived in any respect state parks on Jan. 1. The First Day Hikes are free, however reservations should be made, because the variety of members is being restricted.
“If the hike you really need is full, you will discover one other hike or simply add your identify to the waitlist and we’ll launch any cancellations as they’re accessible,” mentioned Stancampiano.
As of publication time, solely two hikes had ready lists: the ten a.m. 3-mile Journey Hike with Angelina, which is reasonable, and the two p.m. straightforward and sluggish half-mile Household Hike with Angelina. A few the hikes will probably be in Sequoyah Bay State Park.
The stroll schedule, leaders, and descriptions are: 6:45 a.m. Dawn Stroll with Jo, 1.2 miles, straightforward and sluggish; 10 a.m. Sequoyah Bay Hike with Jon, 1.5 miles, reasonable; 10:30 a.m. Youngsters Stroll with Sierra, .5 miles, straightforward and sluggish; 11 a.m. Tour with Eric, 2 miles, pavement and reasonable path; 11:30 a.m. Girls Who Hike with Jo, 3 miles, reasonable, ladies solely; midday Hike with Sierra, 2 miles, reasonable with rocky terrain, minimal scrambling; 1 p.m. Sequoyah Bay Hike with Jon, 1.5 miles, reasonable; 1 p.m. Trek with Zach, 2 miles, paved path; 3 p.m. Hike with Eric, 2 miles, reasonable with rocky terrain, minimal scrambling; and 4:30 p.m. Sundown with Angelina, 1.2 miles, straightforward and sluggish.
Path names and meetup areas for every hike will probably be despatched to registered attendees the week of New Yr’s.
In case of inclement climate, details about cancellation of hikes will probably be accessible by calling the Sequoyah State Park or checking the Oklahoma State Parks web page at Facebook.com/OklahomaStateParks.
Stancampiano supplied some ideas for hikers.
“Costume in layers; you may take off clothes in the event you heat up. Begin with nice footwear and socks, cowl your ears, and produce some water. When the air is chilly, your throat will actually admire some water,” she mentioned.
A free inexperienced persons yoga class will probably be supplied within the early night on Jan. 1 to assist of us wind down from the day. Attendees ought to carry their very own mats, and they’ll meet within the lodge. Masks are required for all occasions. The time will probably be introduced on the Sequoyah State Park Fb web page.
Those that have already got plans on New Yr’s Day can nonetheless take part in First Month Hikes.
“We’re difficult guests to hike all 10-plus miles of trails inside the month of January. Winners will obtain a finishers sticker. Monitor your progress through a health app or in any other case to tell us you have completed,” mentioned Stancampiano. “We will probably be internet hosting guided hikes all through the month and could have these listed on Eventbrite to restrict the numbers.”
You are invited
Join First Day Hikes at https://sites.google.com/view/sspfirstdayhikes/home. These with questions can message Sequoyah State Park on Fb or e-mail angelina.stancampiano@travelok.com.
