Natalie Simon, environmental education specialist at Moraine and McConnells Mills state parks, center, tells attendees of the First Day Hike along Pleasant Valley Trail at Moraine State Park on the South Shore about beaver activity on New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
MUDDY CREEK TWP — Local hiking enthusiasts started 2025 on the right foot Wednesday after participating in Moraine State Park’s First Day Hike.
At 10 a.m., around 40 people gathered at the beginning of the Pleasant Valley trail. Flurrying snow and a few gusts of wind only encouraged hikers to dress for the weather.
The hike was led by Natalie Simon, the environmental education specialist for both Moraine and McConnells Mill State Parks. Simon has led the First Day Hike “at least 10 times” in her eighteen years of service.
“It brings in so many new people, some to the park for the first time ever,” Simon said. “We love being able to show off the programs we offer.”
Simon said that for winter programs, most have to be hosted at Moraine State Park due to unpredictable weather at McConnells Mill. Some events will still be hosted there, such as the upcoming Winter Tree ID program on Jan. 15.
The hike followed the Pleasant Valley trail and later joined with the Sunken Garden trail, only detouring briefly to check in on an old beaver den that has since been abandoned.
While the hike was originally estimated to be roughly two miles, many experienced hikers reported the loop being closer to three.
The First Day Hike was supported by the Butler chapter of the North Country Trail Association and the Butler Outdoor Club.
Hikers Tammy Veloski, left, Rich Thornhill and Dennis Duda walk the Pleasant Valley Trail at Moraine State Park on the South Shore during a First Day Hike on New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Rich Thornhill, a member of the Butler Outdoor Club, has done a First Day Hike for 13 years. He said that he uses it to balance out the general slower pace of the holidays.
“It’s something healthy to do,” Thornhill said. “All I did for New Year’s yesterday was cook and eat.”
Heather Moyer, a member of the Wampum chapter of the North Country Trail Association, said that she enjoys the opportunity to meet people and be active on the first day of the year.
“It lets me get some fresh air, and gives some time for my husband to have the house to himself,” Moyer said, chuckling.
According to America’s State Parks, the First Day Hike at Moraine State Park is just one of over a thousand First Day Hikes being hosted across all 50 states.
Moraine State Park expects to host a First Day Hike again next year. Those who wish to attend must register on the Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s website in December.
Hikers walk along Pleasant Valley Trail at Moraine State Park on the South Shore during a First Day Hike on New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Hikers walk along Pleasant Valley Trail at Moraine State Park on the South Shore during a First Day Hike on New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Hikers participating in the First Day Hike along Pleasant Valley Trail at Moraine State Park on the South Shore learn about beaver activity on New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Hikers Jim and Carla Yurisic, left, and Susan Munoz walk the Pleasant Valley Trail at Moraine State Park on the South Shore during a First Day Hike on New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Hikers Sherri Magill, left, Tammy Veloski, Rich Thornhill and Dennis Duda walk the Pleasant Valley Trail at Moraine State Park on the South Shore during a First Day Hike on New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Natalie Simon, environmental education specialist at Moraine and McConnells Mills state parks, leads the First Day Hike along Pleasant Valley Trail at Moraine State Park on the South Shore on New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Hikers Jim and Carla Yurisic, left, and Susan Munoz walk the Pleasant Valley Trail at Moraine State Park on the South Shore during a First Day Hike on New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Hikers Sherri Magill, left, Rich Thornhill and Dennis Duda walk the Pleasant Valley Trail at Moraine State Park on the South Shore during a First Day Hike on New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Hikers Tammy Veloski, left, Rich Thornhill and Dennis Duda walk the Pleasant Valley Trail at Moraine State Park on the South Shore during a First Day Hike on New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
