MADRID, Iowa—2026 marked the 10th time Ledges has hosted a First Day Hike. These New Year’s Day hikes are designed to get people active and outdoors in some of the most beautiful landscapes the state has to offer. 250 people showed up to the hike at Ledges this year, a new record (just barely – up 8 people) from 2025.
Participants leave the Oak Woods picnic area at the start of the 2026 Ledges first day hike. (photo courtesy of David Johnson)
Ledges first day hikers gather at the 1st water crossing along Canyon Drive to admire the scenery. (photo courtesy of David Johnson)
Following the hike, the Friends of the Ledges hosted their 3rd annual free will donation chili feed. 119 people were served and a huge THANK YOU to the hungry and generous participants who donated funds to get the group going with 2026 projects and programs.
Patrons gathered at the park headquarters, enjoying warm bowls of chili from the Friends of the Ledges.
There were 23 total guided first day hikes in our Iowa State Parks on New Year’s Day, with well over 1300 hikers participating statewide. Some other totals from state park hikes include:
- Palisades-Kepler State Park – 252 people
- Waubonsie State Park – 148 people
- Lake Darling State Park – 85 people
- Mines of Spain State Rec Area – 170 people
- Loess Hills State Forest – 80 people
- Springbrook State Park – 77 people
You can check out a nice story about the Ledges first day hike, produced by ABC Channel 5 reporter JD Snover, by clicking here.
(contributed press release and photos, Ledges State Park, photos courtesy David Johnson)
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