People gathering for 2014 First Day Hikes at Devil’s Icebox parking lot, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.
We participated in one of the First Day Hikes at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park on New Years Day 2014. It was cold, but fun! The park has participated in this event for several years.
This year, everyone met at the Devil’s Icebox Trail parking lot to register, then each group went to their trail with their guide at the designated time. Over 50 people came for the first scheduled hiking trail (Karst Trail). The next groups went on the Grasslands Trail. They took 30 people in a group, and split the people into two groups. I love that the hikes were scheduled in the afternoon—most of the hikes in parks around the state were in the morning, when it was colder!
Natural prairie grassland on Karst Trail at 2014 First Day Hike at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.
The Karst Trail was new for us. Our guide, Sue, said it was her first time guiding a group, but she was experienced with the outdoors and gave great information about the park and the features on the trail. The Karst Trail goes through some original, untouched prairie–never cultivated by man. Also, I loved this tip: If the bugs, mosquitoes, etc., are bugging you, move among the cedar trees (of which there are a lot along this trail); the bugs tend to stay away from the cedars. Sue shared lots more great info, and answered questions. This was a fun activity (although it is important to dress warmly enough!), and maybe we will see you there next year. Happy New Year!
