A guided hike at Lackawanna State Park on Tuesday will offer visitors the chance to greet 2013 with the wind in their face instead of face-down on a pillow.
The park is one of 18 across the state and hundreds across the country participating in First Day Hikes, a series of free, coordinated hikes meant to encourage people to embrace nature in the new year.
"It's a nice way for people with a New Year's resolution to get healthy to take it outdoors," said Angela Lambert, environmental education specialist at the park complex.
The hike will begin at 1 p.m. at the park office and last about an hour. It will be a mile-long hike to accommodate most skill levels and ages. Snowshoes will be available if there is deep-enough snow on the trail.
The afternoon hike was designed to appeal to people "who are enthusiastic about it but maybe not bright and early," Ms. Lambert said.
"It's not too ambitious. It's just enough to get people thinking about getting out."
Registration is available online at www.visitPAparks.com or by calling 945-7110.
First Day Hikes started more than 20 years ago in Massachusetts and spread to all 50 states for the first time in 2012. Pennsylvania's state park system joined the initiative last year.
Lackawanna State Park has had volunteer-led New Year's Day hikes in the past, but this year will be the first time the park's staff is organizing the hike.
In Northeast Pennsylvania, First Day Hikes will also be held at Promised Land State Park in Pike County and Nescopeck State Park in Luzerne County.
The nationwide program is an initiative of America's State Parks and the National Association of State Park Directors.
Contact the writer: llegere@timesshamrock.com