Want to celebrate New Year's Day? Take a hike!

PELHAM, Ala. (AP) — Alabama's state parks have an alternative to sitting around the house on Jan. 1. Six state parks will be offering what officials are calling "First Day Hikes" on New Year's Day. The events are free guided hikes that are meant to encourage people to spend time outdoors. Visitors still have to pay park admission fees, however. The hikes will be held at Alabama's largest state park, Oak Mountain, in suburban Birmingham; DeSoto in northeast Alabama; Gulf State Park on the coast; Joe Wheeler near Decatur; Lake Guntersville; and Monte Sano park overlooking Huntsville. All 50 states are offering First Day Hikes.