TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansans can get out and about this New Year's Day with hikes at state parks. State parks across the Sunflower State are gearing up for First Day Hikes. According to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), First Day Hikes are guided hikes inviting individuals and families to start the new year connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors. According to KDWP, these hikes vary in distance and conditions, giving Kansans opportunities to experience the natural, cultural and historical resources and treasures at the state parks, and utilize then throughout the year. “This marks our 14th year of offering First Day Hikes in Kansas State Parks, and we’re thrilled to continue the tradition,” Linda Lanterman, Kansas State Parks director, said. “These events are a fun, healthy way to kick off the New Year, beat cabin fever, and explore some of the most beautiful areas in our state.” What punishments are in store for illegally dumping a deer carcass? In the United States, there will be more than 1,000 First Day Hikes, and 24 of those will be hosted by Kansas State Parks. T-shirts to commemorate the event will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. A vehicle permit will be required at all state park entrances. Daily permits can be purchased for $5 at each park. Pets are welcomed to attend the First Day Hike, but they must be kept on a leash, according to KDWP. For a successful First Day Hike, state park staff recommend hikers bring water, snacks, weather-appropriate clothing, hiking shoes, binoculars, a hiking stick and a camera. Below is a list of First Day Hikes on Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025 in the Sunflower State: Cedar Bluff State Park at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. along the Butterfield Trail. Cheney State Park at 2 p.m. along the West Side Trail. Clinton State Park at 11 a.m. along the Prairieview Nature Trail. Crawford State Park at 9 a.m. along the Museum Trail/Spider Leg Trail. El Dorado State Park at 9 a.m. along the Story Walk Trail/Walnut River Campground Trail. Elk City State Park at 9 a.m. along the Green Thumb Trail and 11 a.m. along the Table Mound Trail. Fall River State Park at 1 p.m. along the Catclaw Trail. Flint Hills Trail State Park at 9 a.m. along the Flint Hills Trail. Glen Elder State Park at 9 a.m. along the Glen Elder State Park Trail. Pratt, Kansas, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. along the Green Trail. Hillsdale State Park at 10:30 a.m. along the Hidden Springs Trail. Kanopolis State Park at 10:30 a.m. along the Split Boulder Trail. Meade State Park at 2 p.m. with the choice of a 1.5, 2 and 3.5 mile hikes. Milford State Park at 1 p.m. along the Eagle Ridge Trail. Perry State Park at 2 p.m. along the Rocky Top Trail. Pomona State Park at 10 a.m. along the Blue Dasher Trail. Prairie Center at 2 p.m. along the Prairie Center Nature Trail. Prairie Dog State Park at 10 a.m. along the Steve Mathes Nature Trail. Prairie Spirit Trail State Park at 10 a.m. along the Prairie Spirit Trail. Sand Hills State Park at 10 a.m. along the Prairie Trail/Dune Trail. Historic Lake Scott State Park at 9 a.m. along the Historic Lake Scott Multi-Use Trail. Tuttle Creek State Park at 9 a.m. along the Eagle Pass and Western Heritage Trails. Webster State Park at 1 p.m. along the Coyote Trail. Wilson State Park at 1 p.m. along the Cedar Trail. Here’s what items will and won’t be taxed in Kansas as of Jan. 1, 2025 For details about each hike, click here. The First Day Hikes originated in 1992 at the Blue Hills Reservation State Park in Massachusetts. Now, almost all 50 states participate in the yearly hike. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.