The many, the brave, the walkers.

The First Day hike at Beltzville State Park started out as a 15-degree windy day, with snow and ice covering trails. Over 600 walkers expressed interest on Facebook, and 147 turned out for the hike Thursday, with many dogs in tow.

The Friends of Beltzville group, growing with 117 members, organized the hike. To warm up, people gathered at the fire pit before and after the walk.

Walkers were treated to free hot chocolate, fresh popped popcorn, cookies and apples.

Kara Scott, Bowmanstown, was happy to see the healthy food choice of apples. It was her first time doing a First Day hike. Scott homeschooled her kids and noted, “My kids were involved in many environmental programs offered at the park.”

A food collection was also held to benefit the food pantry at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lehighton.

Felicity Bieling, 8, said, “I did the walk before, it was fun.”

She joined her brother, 13-year-old Johnathan, and mom Amber on the hike. Felicity noted her favorite trail is Saw Mill, one of the most difficult at the park.

Prior to the walk, 14 brave and well-wrapped children participated in a candy cane hunt. The candy canes were strategically placed on tree branches, benches and other places.

Friends’ board member Deb DeBeauclair said, “The kids we train to enjoy outdoors today are the stewards of our earth for tomorrow.”

Enjoying the fire, Amanda Kutzura, holding 1-year-old Archer, often goes to the park for kayaking and fishing, ice fishing in the winter.

The walk was led by The American Academy of Canine Water Rescue Dogs, Newfoundlands 3-year-old Kelby and 1-year-old Nixie, with their owners, George and Kate Abraham.

This year’s route at the park was revamped due to icy conditions.

Cody Miller, the park manager for seven months, said, “The walk gets people out to enjoy outdoor recreation, which is normally a cold, quiet, slow time of year.”

Finishing the cold walk with a sense of pride, everyone had a chance to gather around the fire for some warmth.