Kick Off the New Year with a Winter Hike
ZANESVILLE, OH – If you’re looking for a refreshing way to kick off the new year why not try taking a hike.
Their first hike of 2025 is this Saturday, January 4th, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hiking group will explore the scenic trails of Blue Rock State Park. Winter is a great time to experience the quiet beauty of nature and catch a glimpse of wildlife in action.
“Especially in Ohio, there tends to be an assumption that everything slows down outside in nature during the wintertime, and that’s really not true at all. There’s a lot of activity and a lot of hustle and bustle happening out there even in the cold and a lot of really cool things to see that you might not get to see or experience during other seasons of the year,” Dillon State Park Naturalist Mike Durst said.
Layering up is key to staying warm on winter hikes. Coats, hats, gloves, and sturdy boots are recommended to enjoy the hike safely and comfortably. Safety is always a priority when hiking. Durst reminds everyone to be prepared and remember that help is just a call away with 911 or #ODNR.
“Definitely make sure that you’re going out in layers. You can always shed layers, but you can’t add them back on. Always make sure that you have water with you. Though water might not seem like the most enjoyable beverage when it’s cold out, it’s important to stay hydrated. Make sure you plan for wherever you’re going and don’t go out in any weather that may potentially cause some safety issues for you,” Durst said.
For those planning to attend the hike this weekend, hikers will meet in the main parking lot of Blue Rock State Park, right outside the camp store. To learn more about this hike and Dillon’s upcoming events, please visit their Facebook page.
