The 2024 Step Outdoors Winter Outings Series will begin on New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 1 with First Day Hikes at three state parks, according to organizer Tim Morey, a natural resource specialist with the Hills Creek State Park Complex. Preregistration is not required for the hikes.

“In 2017, Step Outdoors expanded from being a Tioga County-based program to including activities in both Tioga and Potter counties,” said Morey, a member of the Step Outdoors Network. “For the first time in 2019, we offered activities not only in January and February but in March, too” he noted.

“A total of 30 activities are offered in Tioga and Potter counties in January, February and March of 2024,” Morey said. “Included are lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Several programs combine indoor and outdoor activities and others are offered indoors only,” he said. “The majority of them are free and open to adults and children under adult supervision, from beginners to the experienced,” Morey added.  

“This year for the first time there are more winter outings in Potter County, 20 compared to 10 in Tioga.

First Day Hike or Snowshoe & 5K will be at Hills Creek State Park on Monday Jan. 1

Start 2024 on the right foot by participating in the free First Day Guided Hike or 5K at Hills Creek State Park at 111 Spillway Road in Charleston Township, seven miles northeast of Wellsboro in Tioga County. On Monday, Jan. 1, participants will meet at the park’s beach parking area to participate in either the hike or 5K. Runners should arrive by 12:45 p.m. for the 5K, which starts at 1 p.m. The 5K is a free, no frills event. There are no aid stations and no awards. Runners write down their own times. The goal is for 5K participants to challenge themselves on a course around Hills Creek Lake. The short, family oriented, slow-paced guided hike of less than 1.5 miles will be on Tauscher’s Trail. If conditions allow, it will become a guided snowshoe hike. Hikers are encouraged to bring their own snowshoes or traction devices. A limited supply of both will be available to use free. Leader is Tim Morey. Hikers will cheer on 5K runners at 1 p.m. and then leave on their own adventure. Come early and stay late. If there is enough snow, families are welcome to bring sleds, tubes or toboggans and give the park’s Sledding Hill a try or cross-country ski, snowshoe or hike on the park’s trails and campground roads. For information, call the park at 570-724-4246.

First Day Hike is Monday, Jan. 1 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Lyman Run

Get out on the first day of the year. Meet at 1 p.m. at the parking lot near Lower Campground: https://bit.ly/LymanLowerParking. Join knowledgeable long-time Friends of Lyman Run State Park volunteers to explore the Spurline and Rock Run Trails. It’s a great opportunity to get outside in the colder months to see the winter beauty of Lyman Run. The Rock Run Trail can be steep in places and has basketball-sized rocks. Be prepared with hiking poles and boot traction devices for stability and water resistant hiking boots. A limited number of boot traction devices may be available to borrow. Bring water.

First Day Hike is Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Sinnemahoning

Start the New Year with an easy, family-friendly 2.5-mile guided hike along fairly level trails. It is recommended for adults and children eight and up. Rain or shine, meet at 10 a.m. at Pavilion 1 in the 40 Maples Day Use Area at Sinnemahoning State Park, 4843 Park Drive in Austin, Potter County. Learn the importance of conifer trees to wildlife and scout for tracks and traces of animals that live in the park. A limited number of snowshoes will be available if needed. Dress for the weather and bring water. Well-behaved dogs on short leashes are welcome. Call the park office at 814-647-8401 or email SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov for more information.

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.