(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Looking for a fresh start to 2025? Kick off the year with the First Day Hike at Sangchris Lake State Park in Sangamon County or one of 14 other state parks across Illinois on Jan. 1. Many locations will feature special stickers and photo opportunities for hikers.

More: Sangchris Lake State Park – First Day Hike

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources are offering free self-guided hikes, and they are open to all.

Other participating parks include Giant City State Park in Jackson County, Illinois Beach State Park in Lake County, and Castle Rock State Park in Ogle County. Many locations will feature special stickers and photo opportunities for hikers. Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using #ILStateParks and #FirstDayHikes.

Trail maps and more information are available on the Illinois First Day Hikes website.

First Day Hikes, started in 1992 in Massachusetts, is a national program by America’s State Parks Foundation encouraging outdoor activities on New Year’s Day.