On Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, Bear Creek Lake State Park will be open as usual to offer outdoor recreation to welcome in a new year that can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Get a free trail guide at the Park Office or at Bear Creek hall and explore the park at your own pace. Try the self-guided GPS activities and take some photos of the day and enter them in the state parks’ photo contest.

The Friends of Bear Creek Lake will have a hospitality table set up the Hall from noon until 2 p.m. with refreshments. At 11 a.m. there will be a ranger-led walk from the Hall. The “Bark in the Park” program will help identify a few tree species found in the area after their leaves have fallen. This free walk will last about 90 minutes over moderate terrain. Daily parking fees will still apply.

For more information, contact the Park Office at 804-492-4410, or bearcreek@dcr.virginia.gov