Diane Melton, left, volunteer and seasonal assistant at Emigrant Springs State Park, chats with visitors during the 2014 First Day Hike at Emigrant Springs State Park near Meacham.

PENDLETON — A free guided snowshoe hike is planned for New Year’s Day at Emigrant Springs State Park near Meacham.

The hike is one of many planned on Jan. 1 in state parks around Oregon.

America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.

The agency waives the $5 day use parking fee on that day at parks that normally require a permit.

“I’m excited that we can offer 34 guided hikes in 31 state parks this year,” said Lisa Sumption, director of OPRD. “When more parks offer hikes, Oregonians have more options to hike near their homes or explore a new park and trail. Plus, this year we’re including more trail accessibility information in our online hike descriptions and are offering reasonable accommodations so visitors of all abilities can join us.”

A list of First Day Hikes is available at stateparks.oregon.gov/.

The Emigrant Springs hike is the only one scheduled in Northeast Oregon.

The 2-mile hike through forest and fields will be led by a park ranger. Participants should be prepared for winter weather and have warm clothing. Hikers will meet at 10 a.m. at the community building parking lot in the park, which is just off Interstate 84 between Deadman Pass and Meacham. After entering the park, turn left and follow the right up the hill to the parking lot. The hike will last about two hours.

A limited number of snowshoes will be available for those who don’t have a set.

Share photos of First Day Hikes via Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.