Celebrate the beginning of 2025 by hitting the trail! Start a new tradition with your friends and family as you get some healthy exercise and enjoy the great outdoors during a guided hike in a Missouri state park or historic site on Jan. 1. First Day Hikes are promoted by America’s State Parks and are held throughout the country.
You have many First Day Hikes to choose from in Missouri State Parks. The hikes vary in length and intensity, and each hike offers different features along the way. Depending on which hike you choose, you may pass by idyllic streams or rivers, gaze up at rugged limestone bluffs, walk through impressive woodlands or forests, see historically significant buildings, or encounter charming wildlife. If you like spending time outdoors, there’s a hike that’s sure to meet your needs.
Preregistration is required for each hike. Click on a park or historic site name below to find out more the hike and register.
Note: The address provided is for Jefferson Landing State Historic Site – First Day Hikes take place in parks and sites all across the state.
Central
- Knob Noster: Knob Noster State Park, 11 a.m. to noon
- Lebanon: Bennett Spring State Park, 1-4 p.m.
- Windsor: Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail state parks, 2 p.m.
Northeast
- De Soto: Washington State Park, 1 p.m.
- Robertsville: Robertsville State Park, 10 a.m.
- Sullivan: Meramec State Park, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Northwest
- Trenton: Crowder State Park, 10 a.m.
Southeast
- Bonne Terre: St. Francois State Park, 10 a.m. (walk)
- Bonne Terre: State Francois State Park, 1-3:30 p.m. (hike)
- Leasburg: Onondaga Cave State Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Ste. Genevieve: Hawn State Park, 10 a.m.
Southwest
- Branson: Table Rock State Park, noon to 2 p.m.
- Cassville: Roaring River State Park, 10 a.m. to noon
- Dadeville: Stockton State Park, 11 a.m.
- Pineville: Big Sugar Creek State Park, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.