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CAIRO -- North Bend State Park will be among 10 state parks in West Virginia participating in a First Day Hike on New Year's Day.
Fifty park systems around the nation participate in the America's State Parks First Day Hike initiative. The free, guided hikes are led by state park naturalists and superintendents.
"Winter hiking is a unique experience. Seasonal changes can make the same trail hiked in June unfamiliar in January due to foliage, wildlife activity and temperatures," Sam England, chief of the State Parks division, said.
Hiking is a top reason many visitors from West Virginia and from outside West Virginia go to the parks, he said.
"People enjoy the solitude of the forest and trails as well as the activity and exercise that hiking offers."
The hike at North Bend State Park in Ritchie County near Cairo starts at 10 a.m. at the Nature Center. The hike will be led by naturalist Ken Zebo.
Other state parks participating in the hike are Blackwater Falls State Park, Cacapon Resort State Park, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Chief Logan State Park, Holly River State Park, Kanawha State Forest, Pipestem Resort State Park, Twin Falls Resort State Park and Tygart Lake Resort State Park.
First Day Hike attendance in West Virginia has ranged from no one in zero-degree weather to more than 300.
"We can't control the weather, but if folks show, we go," said Paulita Cousin, naturalist at Blackwater Falls State Park.
First Day hikers should arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the hike and bring water and a snack and wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy boots or hiking shoes. Hikes depart on time and return to the starting point.
Participants will receive a First Day Hike patch upon completion.
Hikers who wish to stay overnight on Jan. 1 can receive half off their visit by booking online and using offer code FIRSTDAY at checkout. Offer is valid for stays at Cacapon, Cass, Chief Logan, Holly River, North Bend, Pipestem, Twin Falls and Tygart Lake.
A New Year's Eve celebration with a live band will be held 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. at North Bend. Performing will be Jerry and Lisa Queen and their band, Neon Moon.
Overnight packages are available that include lodging, dinner, dance and refreshments during the evening and breakfast. A dinner-and-dance-only option is available.
Call North Bend State Park at 304-643-2931 for details, dinner seating and accommodation choices.