First-day hikes planned for Jan. 1
Dec. 17—First-day hikes are planned again round the region.
Below is a listing of hikes in Southwest Missouri.
A full listing of hikes at state parks in Missouri can be found at https://mostateparks.com/FirstDayHikes.
The Globe Outdoor Page will continue those listings next weekend, Dec. 23.
Wildcat Glades
When: 9-11 a.m.
Where: Wildcat Glades Education Cottage in Wildcat Park, 301 Riviera Drive.
Details: Start the year off with a walk on the Woodland Loop, and a discussion about the area's natural events. Dress for the weather. The event is free, but hikers must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/1stHike2024 or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.
Big Sugar Creek State Park
—When: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
—Where: The park is at 6727 Big Sugar Creek Road, near Pineville.
—Details: Park staff will lead a 3.3-mile hike on the Ozark Chinquapin Trail at Big Sugar Creek State Park. Sights along the way will include open woodlands, rocky drainages, limestone bluffs and shale outcrops.
Ozark Chinquapin Trail is known to have water at several creek crossings during wet weather. Participants should dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes or boots — waterproof boots are recommended — and bring water and snacks. Parking and a pit toilet are available at the trailhead.
This event is free and open to the public. Participants of all ages are welcome, but those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are welcome if kept on a leash.
For more information about this event, call the Roaring River State Park naturalist at the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center at 417-847-3742.
Registration is required for this event, and a signup link is available at https://icampmo1.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/Activities/Search.aspx.
Nathan and Olive Boone State Historic Site
—When: 10 a.m. to noon.
—Where: The site is at 7850 N. Route V, near Ash Grove.
—Details: This will cover portions of all three of the hiking trails — Spring Box, Interpretive and Prairie View — for a total of 2 miles. This moderately difficult hike will take guests through what was once a thriving 19th century homestead and give them a glimpse into what the early settlement of Ash Grove looked like. Along the way, the historic site superintendent will share the history of the Boone Homestead and stories from Ash Grove's past.
There is a limit of 35 participants. Participants will meet at the picnic shelter near the site office. Participants are encouraged to bring a water bottle, wear appropriate hiking footwear, and dress for the weather. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash.
Registration is required for this event, and a signup link is available at https://icampmo1.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/Activities/Search.aspx.
For more information, or to check the status of the hike, call the site office at 417-751-3266.
Katy Trail State Park
—When: Hike starts at 1 p.m.
—Where: Windsor, Missouri, where the Katy and Rock Island trails intersect. Hikers will depart from the Katy Trailhead.
—Details: This will be a guided hike with the park superintendent. This 2-mile hike will allow participants to enjoy a partial section of both trails. Hikers will have an opportunity to learn about the Rock Island Trail's creation and operations and will get to ask questions and possibly see some wildlife. This hike is free and open to the public, and the degree of difficulty will be easy, as both trails have a flat, packed gravel surface.
Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dress for the weather.
Registration is required for this event. To get a link to sign up, go to www.mostateparks.com.
For more information, call the park office at 660-563-2463 or email Daniel.Brigman@dnr.mo.gov. This program may be canceled due to inclement weather. Check the Facebook event for updated information.
Roaring River State Park
—When: 1 to 3 p.m.
—Where: Roaring River State Park south of Cassville.
—Details: Park staff will lead a 1.5-mile hike on Devil's Kitchen Trail at Roaring River State Park.
Begin by hiking up to the limestone bluff, where there will be a chance to explore two small caves. Hikers will then climb above the limestone bluff into chert woodlands and will round out the hike with a look at the Devil's Kitchen rock feature.
Hikers should expect steep and possibly muddy and slick sections of trail. Waterproof boots are recommended. Bring a flashlight if you plan on entering the caves.
The hike will begin at the trailhead across the river from the CCC Lodge. Parking is available at the trailhead, and restrooms are located in the CCC Lodge.
This hike is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. Pets are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and bring water and snacks.
For more information about the hike, call the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center at 417-847-3742. Registration is required for this event, and a signup link is at www.mostateparks.com.
Table Rock State Park
—When: Noon to 2 p.m.
—Where: Table Rock State Park is at 5272 Missouri Highway 165, in Branson.
—Details: Park staff will lead a guided hike on Lakeshore Trail to kick off the new year. The trails runs along the shore of Table Rock Lake, from State Park Marina to the Army Corps of Engineers Dewey Short Visitor Center adjacent to the dam. This trail is paved and relatively flat.
As it runs along the shoreline, it offers good views of the lake on the lower side and of oaks more than 200 years old on the upper side.
This hike will cover approximately 2 miles and will begin at the Lakeshore Trail trailhead, located in the marina parking lot.
The event is free, open to the public and suitable for all ages. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water and snacks. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
For more information, call the park office at 417-334-4704. To check for updates about the hike, you also can call the park office..
Registration for this event is required, and a signup link is available at wwwmostateparks.com.
