Castle Rock State Park takes part in Illinois state parks' First Day Hike event

(WIFR) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources hosts First Day Hikes at Illinois state parks for people to start the new year outdoors.

The public is invited to take a family-friendly, self-guided hike Jan. 1 at Castle Rock State Park, 1365 W. Castle Rd. in Oregon.

“This was the closest state park to our area, and just decided to get some fresh air before it gets too cold and enjoy a new state park,” Beckie Maddox, hiker, says.

When asked why she enjoys hiking, Maddox gave a few reasons, saying, “Health value, outside, fresh air, seeing other hikers, people and their dogs is always fun and just kind of enjoying nature and scenery.”

All the participating parks across Illinois offer stickers and special photo opportunities for visitors.

The following parks participated in the event:

• Beall Woods State Park in Wabash County
• Beaver Dam State Park in Macoupin County
• Cache River State Natural Area in Johnson County
• Castle Rock State Park in Ogle County
• Eagle Creek and Wolf Creek State Park in Shelby County
• Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area in Clinton County
• Ferne Clyffe State Park in Johnson County
• Fox Ridge State Park in Coles County
• Giant City State Park in Jackson County
• Illinois Beach State Park in Lake County
• Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey County
• Rock Island Trail State Park in Stark County
• Sand Ridge State Forest in Mason County
• Sangchris Lake State Park in Sangamon County
• William Powers State Recreation Area in Cook County

Trail maps and more information are available for all the parks on the Illinois First Day Hikes website.

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