Md. State Parks Promote New Year Hikes

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources wants you to get off the sofa and go outside on New Year's Day.

For the third straight year, Maryland state parks are playing host Wednesday to First Day Hikes. It's part of an effort by the National Association of State Park Directors to promote outdoor exercise.

Twenty-three Maryland state parks are offering the family-friendly hikes, guided by park staff or volunteers.

The agency says nearly 600 participated in the program last New Year's Day.

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