The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is inviting residents and visitors to begin the new year outdoors by participating in more than 60 free, guided First Day Hikes taking place Thursday across Pennsylvania on New Year’s Day as part of the nationwide First Day Hike initiative.

The hikes will be held in 49 state parks and three forest districts, offering participants an easy and healthy way to kick off the new year while exploring Pennsylvania’s public lands. Most guided hikes range from 1 to 2 miles, with some longer options depending on terrain and location.

Local hikes include:

• Beltzville State Park, Lehighton. Registration is required. Meet at Wildcreek Trailhead, 3.8 miles east of the park office on Pohopoco Drive, at 8 a.m. Join Park Manager Cody Miller for a morning First Day Hike along the Christman Trail. This will be a moderately easy 3-mile hike. Please wear sturdy walking/hiking shoes and dress comfortably. 610-377-0045

• Beltzville State Park, Environmental Interpretive Center, 2950 Pohopoco Drive, Lehighton, at 2 p.m. Join the Friends of Beltzville and park staff and hike to the tower on top of the dam, culminating in a scenic view of Beltzville Lake. Registration is not required for this afternoon session. It’s a dog-friendly walk. 610-377-0045

• Lehigh Gorge State Park, meet at the parking lot off Route 940 near I-80 at 1 p.m. Walk approximately 1-mile south on the trail to Tannery. Hikers will have the option to continue to Rattling Run Falls, (an additional 2-mile roundtrip) with the leader, or turn around and return. Please wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather. Registration required at https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/.