First Day Hike

Friends of Yellow River State Forest is sponsoring a “First Day” Hike at the PaintCreek Unit at 9 am on Sunday, Jan 1, 2023. Or, everyone is welcome to hike the designated First Day Hike trail on their own anytime Saturday, Dec. 31 or Sunday, Jan. 1 to win prizes.

The trail chosen this year for the First Day Hike starts at the Forester’s Office at 729 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry. It is about 3 miles long and features beautiful forests, a visit to the Yellow River State Forest Fire Tower, and a photo opp with Bigfoot. The trail starts out uphill, but after that is level then back down from the ridge. Most people would consider it to be a moderate hike.

The guided hike at 9 am, Sunday, Jan. 1, will be led by YRSF staff member Joe Vastine and several prizes will be awarded at the end of the hike. Those who choose to go on their own will find a map of the First Day Hike trail on the kiosk by the parking lot anytime dawn to dusk Saturday or Sunday. You can take a photo with your phone, or take a pamphlet with the full map. There will be a selfie station marked on the posted map – everyone who takes a photo with the sign and posts it to the Friends of Yellow River Facebook page, or emails a photo to friendsofyrsf@gmail.com will be entered into additional prize drawings.

Prizes for the hike at YRSF are provided by Friends of Yellow River State Forest and will include a grand prize of a two-night stay in the cabin at YRSF (a $150+ value, restrictions apply), and 12 Friends of Yellow River State Forest t-shirts (can be picked up locally or mailed). Anyone who participates in the in-person event or hikes on their own on Jan 1 or Jan 2 is eligible for the grand prize cabin stay. To be entered into the contest if hiking on your own, you must share your hike photo to the Friends of Yellow River State Forest Facebook page or email it no later than 6 pm Monday, Jan. 2.

Friendly dogs are welcome if on leash.