LEHIGH, Iowa – Hikers gathered at Bushy Creek Recreation for the First Hike of the year, many making plans to kick of the year on the right foot…literally.

Brushy Creek Recreation was launched by the state due to a lack of lakes for recreation in the region. The park opened in the late 90’s with a focus on equestrian riders and campers. Now, the park also has kayakers and fishermen, alongside equestrian and regular campgrounds.

“Welcome, you should all be proud, waking up New Year’s Day,” said Amber O’Neill, Park Manager. “So today we’re going to be mostly on the campground trail. It starts in that beach campground and goes down to Fish Pier Point.”

The park has 40 miles of trails, mostly suited for horse and riders.

“On the north end we’ve got the lake, and on the south end we’ve got the Des Moines River,” said O’Neill.

“It’s really nice. I was actually going be hiking in Alaska this summer, I’m trying out my boots, it’s not easy to try them out,” said Jeff Loken, of Dakota City. Loken said he also likes to hike in nearby Dolliver State Park.