(The Center Square) – Pennsylvanians looking for a healthy start to 2025 are invited to join the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on a First Day Hike.
The agency is organizing over 70 guided hikes at 46 of its state parks and one forest district. The hikes are part of a national initiative of the National Association of State Park Directors across all 50 states.
“This year, we’re encouraging everyone to connect with our public lands — whether that means discovering programs at our state parks, exploring new outdoor activities, or uncovering the rich history preserved within our landscapes. Let’s make 2025 a year of connection and exploration,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn.
The agency is required to create a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Program, or SCORP, every five years informed by several public surveys. Among the 8,000 responses to this year’s surveys, the connection between mental health and the outdoors was a primary focus.
There was bipartisan support for increasing permanent funding for the parks. $112 million of the state’s budget last year went to support state park and forest infrastructure. DCNR recently celebrated $10 million in grants supporting trail projects.
“When we invest in trails, we are really investing in communities – in the health of the people who live nearby, in their connections to neighboring towns, and in the businesses who provide services to the people who use and visit them,” said Dunn at an event in Williamsport.
Another major concern was equity, which has inspired Mosaic, an initiative to make the state’s outdoor spaces more inclusive. Outreach by the department is aimed at drawing more diverse participation at events like the First Day Hikes.
A draft of the 2025-2029 SCORP will be available for public comment from Feb. 3 to March 3 next year.
The commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land represent “free opportunities to take a break from the daily grind and enjoy natural spaces,” wrote the department, emphasizing the benefits cited throughout the survey.
“First Day Hikes are the perfect way to start the year by immersing yourself in Pennsylvania’s natural spaces,” said Dunn.
Most of the hikes are between one and two miles with dog, child, and elderly friendly options.
