By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Pelham’s Oak Mountain State Park will join other Alabama state parks in bringing an active start to 2013 on New Year’s Day.

At 10 a.m. on Jan. 1, OMSP officials will lead a guided hike leaving from the park marina parking lot on Terrace Drive.

The hike will follow the lake trail to the reservoir bridge and back, which is about two miles. Hikers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water.

Park officials said the hike will help locals to “kick off the new year on a healthy note,” and is part of a nationwide healthy new year campaign.

“All 50 states are hosting first day hikes to encourage the public to spend time outdoors, reduce stress and improve quality of life,” read a state park email.

The hike is free, but state park day-use fees will still be charged. Day-use fees are $3 for adults and $1 for children 6-11 years old and senior citizens 62 and older.

For more information on the New Year’s Day hike, call Emily Cook at OMSP at 620-2520.