Lake Ogallala offering New Year’s Day hike

Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area will be offering a guided hike on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2019. The one-mile hike, beginning at 8 a.m., will take place during the peak of bald eagle viewing season, with the chance to see over 100 bald eagles.

Part of a larger effort of the America’s State Parks alliance, more than 15 Nebraska state park areas will offer guided hikes to visitors on New Year’s Day. 

The hikes are 1-3 miles with varying degrees of difficulty.

Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and bring drinking water and snacks. Pets are welcome on most of the hikes, but must be on a leash no more than six feet long.

 The hikes are designed to be family-friendly, but some may be challenging especially for small children and people pushing strollers.

More Nebraska state parks are offering First Day Hikes than ever before, giving those interested in attending a range of options and unique settings to choose from. 

Other state parks offering Hiking opportunities include Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park in Burwell, Mormon Island State Recreation Area in Doniphan, Platte River State Park in Louisville and Ponca State Park.

For complete details on these events, as well as information about the many other hikes available, visit Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov.

Vehicles entering the parks must have a 2019 park entry permit, available for purchase online at OutdoorNebraska.org or at permit vendors and Game and Parks district offices across the state.