Lake Brownwood State Park staff invites the public to join a park ranger for a First Day Hike on the newly installed Nopales Ridge Trail or on the Opossum Loop of the Texas Oak Trail on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.  Start or continue a tradition on New Year’s Day, encourage park rangers.

Simply meet the staff at the pavilion in the Council Bluff Campground to be a part of this special day outdoors.

The Nopales Ridge Trail is being installed as the park’s first mountain bike trail. This three-mile trail is easy hiking with some moderate climbs and is suitable for families. Hikers may want to bring a hiking stick, sturdy shoes, binoculars for wildlife viewing and plenty of drinking water.

For those who prefer an easier stroll, a group will be taking a hike on the Oak Trail to the Opossum Loop. This one mile hike is very easy and on relatively flat ground with no hills. Those participating in this hike will still want to dress appropriately and bring water and binoculars to view the birds well through the dormant mesquite and post oak trees.

After the hike, enjoy a campfire and hot chocolate at the pavilion in the Council Bluff campground. Hikers are encouraged to explore other trails, or bring a fishing pole and enjoy free fishing in the state park.

So plan to join in on these great hikes, work off some of that Christmas dinner and enjoy the local beauty of Lake Brownwood State Park.

For more information about Lake Brownwood State Park and its activities throughout the year, call the park office at (325) 784-5223.