ODNR offers First Day Hikes as part of winter hike series to break in new year

OHIO — It’s common to have plans on New Year’s Eve, but there’s not usually many parties or get-togethers set for New Year’s Day.

If you’re looking for something to do on your day off, it may be worth considering a hike outside to usher in 2026. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers several First Day Hikes at locations around the state.

Here’s a look at the planned events (click the links for more information):

First Day Hike – Maumee Bay

3 to 4:15 p.m. at the Boardwalk Trail in Oregon, Ohio

First Day Hike – Deer Creek

3 to 4 p.m. at Deer Creek State Park Nature Center in Mt Sterling, Ohio

First Day Hike – Punderson

2 to 3:30 p.m. at Punderson State Park Manor House in Newbury Township, Ohio

First Day Hike – Indian Lake

1 to 1:45 p.m. at Pew Island trail head in Huntsville, Ohio

First Day Hike – Salt Fork

1 to 2:30. P.m. at the Kennedy Stonehouse Nature Trail parking lot in Lore City, Ohio

First Day Hike – Shawnee

1 to 3 p.m. at the Shawnee State Park Lodge in West Portsmouth, Ohio

First Day Hike – Jesse Owens

1 to 3 p.m. at the shelter house at Sand Hollow Campground in McConnelsville, Ohio

First Day Hike – Caesar Creek

1 to 3 p.m. at the Caesar Creek Nature Center in Waynesville, Ohio

First Day Hike – Pymatuning

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Cabin Beach in Andover, Ohio

First Day Hike – Hueston Woods

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hueston Woods Nature Center, located in College Corner, Ohio

First Day Hike – Buck Creek

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the Buck Creek Marina restrooms in Springfield, Ohio

First Day Hike – Wingfoot Lake

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Wingfoot Park Office in Mogadore, Ohio

First Day Hike – Mosquito Lake

10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Eastlake Metropark Sled Hill parking lot in Cortland, Ohio

First Day Hike – Marblehead Lighthouse

9 to 10 a.m. at the lighthouse in Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio

First Day Hike – Lake Hope

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hope Furnace in New Plymouth, Ohio