The 2024 Step Outdoors Winter Outings Series begins in Tioga and Potter counties this Monday, Jan. 1 with free First Day hikes at three state parks and continues with a free Thursday night run on Jan. 4 in Wellsboro and two free events Saturday, Jan. 6.

Three Free First Day Hikes Do Not Require Pre-registration    

At Hills Creek State Park, 111 Spillway Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901, will be a short, family oriented, slow-paced guided First Day Hike or snowshoe of less than 1.5 miles on Tauscher’s Trail and the 5K at 1 p.m. on Monday Jan. 1. At 12:45 p.m., runners and hikers will meet at the park’s beach parking area.

At Lyman Run State Park, 454 Lyman Run Road in Galeton, Potter County, meet at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 1 at the parking lot near the Lower Campground for a First Day Hike to explore the Spurline and Rock Run Trails.

At Sinnemahoning State Park, 4843 Park Drive in Austin, Potter County, meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1 at Pavilion 1 in the 40 Maples Day Use Area for an easy, family-friendly 2.5-mile guided hike along fairly level trails.

Tyoga Running Club is Hosting Runs on Thursdays in Wellsboro

The Tyoga Running Club is holding Thursday Night Runs on Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, and March 7, 14, 21, and 28. The one-hour runs are free and open to the public and will begin promptly at 6 p.m. There are different pace groups with varying distances for runners of all ages and ability levels. Walkers are welcome to participate, too. For information about the weekly Wellsboro area start location and route, email run4trc@gmail.com or visit  www.facebook.com/tyogarunningclub.

Coffee With The Birds is Saturday, Jan. 6 at Sinnemahoning State Park

From 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, join park staff indoors for a free cup of coffee, tea or cocoa while participating in a Project Feeder Watch bird count of the feathered visitors to the bird feeders located just outside the Wildlife Center classroom window. Find out how backyard bird counts help scientists learn more about the health of our environment. Pre-registration is not required for this free program at the Sinnemahoning State Park Office at 4843 Park Drive in Austin, Potter County. For information, call the park at (814) 647-8401 or email SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov.

Pre-Register by Thursday, Jan. 4 for Animals in Winter at Lyman Run

From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6 at Lyman Run State Park at 454 Lyman Run Road in Galeton, Potter County, learn how animals stay warm on chilly winter days, then see who can build the warmest habitat for an overwintering animal. This program is free and perfect for school-age kids and their families. It is outdoors so wear warm winter boots, gloves or mittens, and winter coats. Pre-registration is required by Thursday, Jan. 4 at 10 p.m.

To Register

Visit www.stepoutdoors.org any time to register for a Winter Outing, if required, or to learn more about these events or for updates on trail conditions, directions and other information.