The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands will host free, guided hikes in five state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.

That initiative, held in all 50 states, offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on Jan. 1 at a state park.

Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average 1 to 2 miles or longer depending on the park. First Day Hikes will take place at the following locations and times:

• Range Ponds State Park, Poland – 12:30 p.m. – Easy 1.5 mile, ranger-led hike on an interpretive trail and along the beach; just one short hill. Hikers are encourage to bring warm clothes, boots or snowshoes if the snow is deep. Meet at flag pole in front of bathroom buildings. FMI: 998-4104.

• Sebago Lake State Park, Casco – 10:30 a.m. – Leisurely 1.5 mile woodlands hike to explore the wonders of the season. Snacks will be provided and hikers should wear warm clothes and sturdy foot wear. Snowshoes are a good idea if people have them. Meet at the day use area boat launch. FMI: 693-6231.

• Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, Freeport – 10 a.m. – Leisurely 0.3 mile guided walk to enjoy “Winter in the Woods” and learn how plants and animals survive the cold winter months. The program length is approximately 1 hour in length; wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear. Meet at the picnic shelter by the second parking lot. Dogs are not suitable for this hike. FMI: 865-4465.

• Lily Bay State Park, Beaver Cove – noon – Leisurely 2.5 mile, ranger-led hike along the shore of Moosehead Lake to investigate the wonders of the season. Wear warm clothes, sturdy shoes or boots and bring your own snacks. Meet at the entry booth parking lot. FMI: 695-2700.

• Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg – 1 p.m. – Easy 1-mile hike on the Fox Island tombolo investigating tidal pools. Wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear. Meet at the West side parking lot. FMI: 389-1335.

Maine’s forty-eight state parks and historic sites offer year-round recreational opportunities. Winter is a great time of year to walk the beaches, trek the woods and observe signs of wildlife – a tracker’s paradise! Winter Family Fun Days and the Ski & Snowshoe Trailer offer families and outdoor enthusiasts ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors long after New Year’s Day. Even those parks not staffed during the winter season are open to visitation from 9 a.m. to sunset daily.

Visit http://www.maine.gov/dacf/winterfamilyfundays and http://www.parksandlands.com to see complete event listings, review trail conditions and locate a park near you.

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf.