Take a hike -- on New Year's Day
The Camp Hero State Park was a coastal defense installation during World War II in Montauk. There are five hiking trails within the 415 acres in the park. (Nov. 17, 2013) Credit: Doug Kuntz
Those looking to start the new year with a bit of outdoor exercise can participate in First Day Hikes on New Year's Day, when guides will lead "family friendly walks and hikes" at 23 New York State parks and historic sites.
The hikes will mostly average 1 to 3 miles, some longer, said the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
It's part of the third annual First Day Hikes national initiative.
Long Island locations are:
Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Bohemia, 10 a.m.
Camp Hero State Park, Montauk, 1 p.m.
Caumsett State Park, Huntington, 1:30 p.m.
Jones Beach State Park, Wantaugh, 1:30 to 3p.m.
It's "a great way for people to de-stress during the holidays and kick off 2014 by spending time surrounded by winter's outdoor splendor," said New York State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey in a news release.
Among the activities this year in the state are: a seal walk, a snowshoe waterfall hike, pet-friendly treks, and crossing one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges, officials said.
Learn more about length, difficulty and registration requirements at Nysparks.com.
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Knicks back in finals for first time since 1999 ... Ticket prices through MSG roof! ... Blakeman's agenda for 'new' NY ... Out East: Shellfish surprise
