OUTDOOR NEWS | Tennesseans can launch their New Year’s resolutions for healthy lifestyles with one of the free, guided hikes offered at Tennessee state parks on New Year’s Day. Tennessee will host First Day Hikes at most of the 59 state parks on Wednesday as part of the parks’ year-long Signature Hikes series.

The free guided hikes, led by park rangers, are available for all ages and abilities. The First Day Hikes vary from easy walks to strenuous excursions, and they can be a great way to meet New Year’s resolutions to be more active. Tennessee State Parks have more than 1,000 miles of trails.

Nearby Tims Ford State Park will participate with a 2.5-mile loop hike on the Lost Creek Overlook Trail and return on the Overlook Trail that begins at 10 a.m. To register for the event, click here.

Old Stone Fort State Park in Manchester will also plan a 1.4 mile hike on the Enclosure Trail. Along the way, we will learn about the importance of the Native American mounds, the history of the park, and see some waterfalls along the way. Meet at the park visitor’s center at 11 a.m. To register for the event, click here.

In Grundy County, Savage Gulf State Park will host a First Day Hike to the Big Creek Overlook and Greeter Falls. This hike will be approximately three miles in total and is considered strenuous in certain areas- please be prepared for a challenging hike. Hikers should meet at the Savage Gulf West Trailhead located at 550 Greeter Falls Road in Altamont at 8:30 a.m. to begin the hike. To register for the hike, click here.

Other interesting First Day Hikes include:

• And an invigorating hike through the backcountry of Standing Stone State Park.

• A one-mile trek at Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park that features the park’s historical significance and views of the Valley of Three Forks on the Wolf River

• A hike featuring the park’s history, indigenous plants and animals, and the unique geography of the area at T.O. Fuller State Park

• A three-mile journey of easy to moderate difficulty, with information about birds, wildlife, plants, and trees at the Seven Islands State Birding Park

• A hike along the Moonshiner’s Run Trail at Roan Mountain State Park

Hikers are encouraged to wear appropriate hiking boots, layered clothing, and consider taking hiking sticks. It’s a good idea to bring water and snacks. The First Day Hikes are part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states. To see all available First Day Hikes, click here. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only locally-owned and locally-operated community newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee and one of the few women-owned newspaper in the state. They cover local news and events as well as the tourism and whiskey industries in southern, middle Tennessee. Click here to subscribe.}