Are you ready to think about New Year’s Day and resolutions? Sponsored by America’s State Parks, New Year’s Day hikes are being led at parks across the country on Jan. 1. A dozen of Georgia’s state parks have scheduled walks, falling in line with Georgia State Parks’ Tons of Fun Fitness Challenge. The website includes links to low-fat recipes, a chart of availability for Georgia-grown produce and suggestions for various ways to burn calories  - biking, climbing, paddling, walking the dog, even fitness activities scheduled at several parks at night.

The First Day hikes are scheduled at some of Georgia’s prettiest parks around the state – including Amicalola in Dahlongega, Ft. Yargo in Winder, Laura S. Walker in Waycross, Crooked River State Park in St. Mary’s, Cloudland Canyon in Rising Fawn, Sweetwater Creek in Lithia Springs, Tallulah Gorge in Tallulah and Smithgall Woods in Helen.

Some of the hikes will head towards waterfalls, some will showcase the Okefenokee, some will educate you as to the special habitats we have here. You’ll have to purchase a parking pass and in some cases, pay an additional $2 to $5 fee. Check with the park you want to visit to make sure the hike is suitable for those in your party (and plan on bringing a leash if you’re bringing your dog.)

Most of our parks have cabins and would make a great place to see the new year in. Amicalola has the Lodge, Ft. Yargo has cabins, Smithgall Woods has cottages and Stephen C. Foster has the new Eco-Lodge (which is 18 miles from the park, but a part of it.)