That’s not surprising since the new year will begin in the middle of the night in the midst of an Iowa winter.

But after the sun is up on Wednesday, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is inviting everyone to get outside. And it’s offering an event to help people do just that.

That event is called First Day Hikes. The DNR has been conducting First Day Hikes in state parks and state recreation areas on Jan. 1 for about 15 years.

In Webster County, a hike led by a park employee will be offered at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area near Lehigh.

And visitors to Dolliver Memorial State Park near Otho will be free to take their own hike at their own pace.

Brushy Creek State

Recreation Area

The hike at Brushy Creek will begin at 11 a.m. Hikers should gather at the West Boat Ramp.

The Department of Natural Resources reported that the planned trek will be a 1.2 mile hike through pine forests, with views of the massive lake.

No registration is required. Anyone with questions about the hike may call (515) 571-3705.

Dolliver Memorial

State Park

The park has an extensive trail system, but the hike that the DNR is recommending for Wednesday is a one-mile trek that begins at Copperas Beds Trailhead. There is a parking lot close to the trailhead.

The hike can be rigorous, however. The DNR reported that the hike goes through bottomland, crosses a bridge over Prairie Creek, includes a steep stone stairway and traverses a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs.

Anyone with questions about the hike may call (515) 359-2539.