NEAR SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Good Earth State Park is helping its visitors start the new year strong. Hundreds of people came out Wednesday to take part in the park’s First Day Hike.

Around 300 people came out to Good Earth Wednesday afternoon to take in the park’s breathtaking views.

“It’s just so beautiful, and it’s just quiet. You see birds and animals and butterflies,” hiker Rose Rhead said.

“I grew up around this area, so I was here from the start when it first became a state park. I’ve always been attracted to the river, the water, the scenic views,” hiker Brandon Rhead said.

The hikers walked about one mile on Good Earth’s north trail. It helped them start the New Year on the right foot.

“The best way to start the new year is a hike at Good Earth. I come out here probably about once a week throughout the year and thought this was the best place to be on New Year’s Day,” Rose Rhead said.

“I hope we kind of just kickstart their year, kind of get them out and motivated. Just come out and just spend time in nature, spend time in a park,” Good Earth State Park naturalist Jen Stahl said.

Stahl guided the hike and showed off a new addition to the trail.

“We actually have some new metal bison that are out there that were donated,” Stahl said.

And Stahl hopes days like today can encourage others to live an active lifestyle.

“If you take this hike every day for the whole year, imagine how your life would be changed and how great you would feel,” Stahl said.

State parks throughout the country host First Day Hikes every year. Good Earth has been hosting them since 2012.



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