America's State Parks First Day Hikes: Deep Creek Lake State Park

America's State Parks announced that state park systems across the country will sponsor over 500 guided First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day 2013. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2013 at a state park.

Join in the fun at 3 park systems in Garrett County including Deep Creek Lake State Park.

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Minimum Age for Kids: 8
Restrictions: Dogs on a leash are welcome.
Length of the Trail: 2.0 miles
Things to Bring: Participants should bring a camera to capture lake and mountain Maryland memories. It is recommended that participants bring snowshoes or ice cleats to wear if those kinds of conditions exist on hike day. Participants should come prepared to be outside for extended periods of time in possibly very cold and windy conditions. Please bring water for drinking. The Discovery Center has a limited supply of snowshoes for rent on a first come, first served basis.

Take a shoreline walk with a ranger on the first day of the New Year. First Day hikers will learn about lake ice, what happens in the water under the ice during winter, and other tidbits about lake ecology.