Kansas State Park First Day Hikes

First Day Hikes

The guided First Day Hike is part of a program sponsored by America’s State Parks. The First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on New Year’s Day at your State Park. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome New Year with friends and family. There are hundreds of scheduled First Day Hikes across the United States. More information about the First Day Hike program and other hikes around the United States visit, http://stateparks.org.

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Cedar Bluff State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 10:00 A.M.

Trail: Butterfield Trail

Meeting Location: Park Office

Details: Suggested items to bring include: water, snacks and hand warmers. $5 Vehicle permit will be required and can be purchased in the park. Trail is easy in difficulty, 1.25 miles in length. There will be a family-friendly costume contest taking place. Winners will be awarded with KDWP Gift Cards and Gift Cards to other Local Businesses.

Restrictions: Foot Traffic Only, Pets must be leashed.

Cancellation Information: Check Park Facebook page Cedar Bluff State Park or call the Park.

Contact: Clinton State Park office 785-726-3212.


Cheney State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 2:00 P.M.

Trail: West Side Trail

Meeting Location: Park Office

Details: Suggested items to bring include: water, snacks, sturdy shoes, warm clothes and binoculars. $5 Vehicle permit will be required and can be purchased in the park. Trail is easy to moderate in difficulty, 1-5 miles in length. Hikers will have the opportunity to see a variety of animals, including deer, bald eagles, foxes, bobcats, meadowlarks, and much more native wildlife. 

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash

Cancellation Information: Check Park Facebook page Cheney State Park or call the Park.

Contact: Cheney State Park office 316-542-3664.


Clinton State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 12:00 P.M.

Trail: Bunker Hill Trail

Meeting Location: Disc Golf Course Parking Lot

Details: Trail is easy in difficulty, 1 mile in length.  Hikers can expect to see a stunning view of Clinton Lake while walking through a beautiful and engaging field of native prairie grasses. There is no cost to enter the park or participate in the hike, but hikers are strongly encouraged to bring a donation of either $5 or 1 item for Just Food.

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash

Cancellation Information: Check Park Facebook page Clinton State Park or call the Park.

Contact: Clinton State Park Office 785-842-8562.


El Dorado State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 10:00 A.M.

Trail: Walnut Ridge, Double Black Diamond, and Walnut River Trails

Meeting Location: Walnut River Cabin Area

Details: Warm Clothing, Gloves, Boots are recommended. Refreshments will be provided at the cabins. Trails are moderate in difficulty, 3-4 miles in length total. There will be no cost to participate. We will be venturing through the woods and around the park boundary down around the Walnut River. You may see a variety of wildlife.

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash

Cancellation Information: Check Park Facebook page El Dorado State Park or call the Park.

Contact: El Dorado State Park Office 316-321-7180.


Fall River State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 1:00 P.M.

Trail: Catclaw Trail

Meeting Location: Quarry Bay Area Shower House

Details: Warm clothing, gloves and boots are recommended. Trail is moderate in difficulty, 1 mile in length. Hikers will see the beautiful views of the lake in winter and possibly eagles and other wildlife.

Restrictions: Pet friendly - on leash

Cancellation Information: Check Park Facebook Page Fall River State Park Facebook or call the Park.

Contact: Fall River State Park office 620-637-2213.


Green Property - Pratt, KS

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 1:00 P.M.

Trail: Green Recreational Trail

Meeting Location: Barn/Shop, Pratt, KS

Details: Water, snacks, appropriate winter clothing, good walking shoes/boots, binoculars, camera easy to moderate difficulty, 1 mile. Hot Cider and Hot Chocolate will be available after Hike.

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash

Cancellation Information:  Posted at Trail Entrance

Contact: Pratt Operations Office - 620-672-5911


Hillsdale State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 10:30 A.M.

Trail: Hidden Springs Trail

Meeting Location: Park Office

Details: Dress warm, bring water and snacks. Snacks and drinks will be provided at the park office prior to the hike. Trail is easy in difficulty, 3 miles in length. There will be no cost to participate. Hikers may see bald eagles, squirrels, rabbits, songbirds and other wildlife.

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash

Cancellation Information: Check Park Facebook page Hillsdale State Park or call the Park.

Contact: Hillsdale State Park Office 913-783-4507.


Kanopolis State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 12:00 P.M.

Trail: Split Boulder Trail

Meeting Location: Park Office

Details: A good pair of hiking shoes/boots suitable for trails, warm clothes, binoculars, cameras, snacks, and a bottle of water are suggested to bring. A $5 vehicle permit will be required. Permits can be purchased at the self-pay station. This hike will be a 1.6-mile hike on Split Boulder Trail that cuts through native grassland and wooded areas. There is usually plentiful wildlife on this trail and there is a good possibility of seeing eagles at nearby Eagle Point Campground. 

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash

Cancellation Information: Check Park Facebook page Kanopolis State Park or call the Park.

Contact: Kanopolis State Park Office 785-546-2565.


Meade State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 2:00 P.M.

Trail: Lake Loop, Stumpy Arroyo, Artesian Springs Trails

Meeting Location: Park Office

Details: Weather-appropriate clothing and shoes, water are suggested to bring. A $5 vehicle permit will be required. Three different guided hikes will be available to participants. The hikes will be 1-4 miles in length and will be anywhere from easy to hard in difficulty. Meet at the park office before the event to hear a little about each option.  Hot Chocolate and chili will be served afterwards at the park office.

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash

Cancellation Information: Check Park Facebook page Meade State Park or call the Park.

Contact: Meade State Park Office 620-873-2572.


Milford State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 1:00 P.M.

Trail: Radio Tower Trail

Meeting Location: Park Office

Details: Bring cold weather gear (hats, gloves, jacket, and appropriate footwear), binoculars, and cameras. Trail is moderate in difficulty, 1.93 miles in length. A $5 vehicle permit will be required.  Hikers will see Native vegetation, trees, and shrubs. Potential wildlife/bird viewing, and a view of Hickory Hollow Campground.

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash. No horseback Riding.

Cancellation Information: Check Park Facebook page Milford State Park or call the Park.

Contact: Milford State Park Office 785-238-3014.


Perry State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 2:00 P.M.

Trail: Perry State Park Bike Trail

Meeting Location: Trail Head

Details: Warm clothes, water, and sturdy footwear with ankle support are suggested. Trail is moderate in difficulty, 3 miles in length. A $5 vehicle permit will be required.  Hikers will see wildlife, timber and changes in topography.

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash.

Cancellation Information: Check Park Facebook page Perry State Park or call the Park.

Contact: Perry State Park Office 785-246-3449.


Pomona State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 10:00 A.M.

Trail: Mixed route through Pomona State Park and Flint Hills Trail

Meeting Location: Park Office Parking Lot

Details: Appropriate clothing and shoes, for cold or wet weather are recommended. Trail is easy in difficulty, 1-3 miles in length or participants can ride 20 miles on their bikes down the Flint Hills Trail. The trails will be a mixture of pavement and gravel. Hikers are expected to see many eagles during the event.

Restrictions: Pet Friendly and encouraged - on leash.

Cancellation Information: Check Park Facebook page Pomona State Park or call the Park.

Contact: Pomona State Park Office 785-828-4933.


Prairie Center - Olathe, Kansas

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 9:30 A.M.

Trail: Prairie Center Nature Loop

Meeting Location: Trailhead (Next to Stonehouse)

Details: Recommend bringing waterproof footwear, warm clothing, water, snacks and binoculars. Trail is moderate in difficulty, 2.5 miles in length. This is a free event. Be prepared to cross a low-water stream. Hikers can experience native prairie grassland, stream valley woodlands, a lake, and possible sightings of hawks, songbirds and deer.

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash.

Cancellation Information: Cancellation information will be posted at the trail head.

Contact: Prairie Center Coordinator 785-273-6740.


Prairie Dog State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 10:00 A.M.

Trail: Steve Mathes Nature Trail

Meeting Location: Trail Head

Details: Bringing appropriate clothing/shoes, water are recommended. Trail is easy in difficulty, 1.4 miles in length. The first 1,000 feet of the nature trail is paved concrete, the remaining 6,300 feet of trail is gravel.  Along the trail is a story walk book as well as a few wildlife information signs.

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash.

Cancellation Information: Check Park Facebook page Prairie Dog State Park or call the Park.

Contact: Prairie Dog State Park Office 785-877-2953.


Sand Hills State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 10:00 A.M.

Trail: Prairie and Dune Trail

Meeting Location: Park Office

Details: Suggested items to bring include: water, snacks, sturdy shoes, warm clothes and binoculars. $5 Vehicle permit will be required and can be purchased in the park. Trail is easy to moderate in difficulty, 2 miles in length. Hikers will have the opportunity to see a variety of animals, including deer, bald eagles, foxes, bobcats, meadowlarks, and much more native wildlife. 

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash.

Cancellation Information: Check the Cheney State Park Facebook page Cheney State Park or call the Cheney Park Office.

Contact: Cheney State Park Office 316-542-3664.


Historic Lake Scott State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 9:00 A.M.

Trail: Lake Scott Multi-Use Trail

Meeting Location: Park Office

Details:  Bringing water, binoculars, sunscreen, and dressing accordingly for weather is recommended. Trail is moderate in difficulty, 2.5 miles in length. $5 vehicle permit is required. Hikers will see wildlife, beautiful scenery and have many photography opportunities.

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash.

Cancellation Information: Please call the park office for cancellation information.

Contact: Historic Lake Scott State Park Office 620-872-2061.


Tuttle Creek State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 10:30 A.M.

Trail: Eagles Pass and Western Heritage Trails

Meeting Location: Park Office

Details:  Bringing water and dressing weather appropriate is recommended. Trail is easy in difficulty, 2.5-4 miles in length. $5 vehicle permit is required. This will be an easy hike along Willow Lake and the Blue River to the Rocky Ford dam. Hikers will see tall timber, cottonwood and sycamore trees and possibly a bald eagle or two.

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash.

Cancellation Information: Check the Tuttle Creek State Park Facebook page Tuttle Creek State Park or call the Park Office.

Contact: Tuttle Creek State Park Office 785-539-7941.


Webster State Park

Date: January 1, 2023

Time of Event: 10:00 A.M.

Trail: Coyote Trail

Meeting Location: Trail Head

Details:  Bringing water and dressing weather appropriate is recommended. Trail is moderate in difficulty, 0-3 miles in length. There is no cost for this event. Various types of wildlife can be seen by hikers including eagles, deer, waterfowl, lots of plants as well as a great view of the countryside and lake.

Restrictions: Pet Friendly - on leash.

Cancellation Information: Check the Park Facebook page Webster State Park or call the Park Office.

Contact: Webster State Park Office 785-425-6775.