Camp Hill, PA –The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF), the only non-profit whose mission is Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests, announced the locations of First Day Hikes. The free, guided hikes are held in many state parks and forests across the state on New Year’s Day.

The hikes are part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative, which was organized by the National Association of State Park Directors. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks. Today, all 50 state park systems sponsor First Day Hikes.

“First Day Hikes are the perfect opportunity to kick start healthy habits for 2017,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “In addition to the health benefits of an invigorating hike, First Day Hikes will be an opportunity to learn more about what the state parks and forests offer the people of Pennsylvania.”

Currently there are at least 24 locations for First Day Hikes and 1 New Year’s Eve hike planned by the PPFF friends groups or the state parks. The list and details are available on PPFF’s website at PPFF Calendar of Events and DCNR’s website at DCNR Calendar of Events. Hikers are encouraged to share their experience on social media using #FirstDayHikes and #PaParksandForests

About the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

Founded in 1999, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation supports 121 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest by coordinating volunteers, activities and donations through its 40 chapters. The mission of the foundation is to inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests through public engagement in volunteerism, recreation and conservation.  paparksandforests.org  @PaPFF