Lang
12/31/25
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting “First Day Hikes” on Thursday…and one is in Johnson County.
This year, 23 Iowa parks will host guided hikes on January 1st with park staff and volunteers leading the way. An additional 21 parks are offering staff-picked, self-guided hikes so hikers can visit and explore on their own, when it fits into their schedules.
The New Year’s Day hike at Lake Macbride State Park begins at 9 a.m. at the Main Lodge at 3525 Highway 382 NE near Solon. The 2.5 mile hike will use the Beach to Dam Trail. Attendees can feel free to hike out to the spillway/waterfall and enjoy a scenic view from the Rock before or after their trail hike. Be careful climbing on icy/slippery surfaces, and please keep pets on leashes at all times.
DNR staff will have the fireplace going at the lodge, and will provide hot cocoa. The only restroom available will be a vault toilet along the hike at the Main Boat Ramp. The crushed rock trail is mostly flat, with a steep section from the lodge to the trailhead, and then at the dam. A link to a full list of First Day Hike sites in Iowa can be found here.