PHIPPSBURG — State parks will participate in a nationwide initiative to get people outdoors and hiking on New Year’s Day.

Locally, the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands will sponsor free, guided hikes at Popham Beach and Wolfe’s Neck state parks. The hikes are a good way to “rejuvenate” and get away from electronic screens and their related sensory overload, according to state Agriculture Cmmissioner Walt Whitcomb.

“There is no better place to start the New Year with a healthy lifestyle than state parks,” Whitcomb said. “State parks offer wonderful opportunities for exercise and moments to reflect away from electronic display screens and the constant barrage of information.”

Similar activities are scheduled across all 50 states. Hikes average 1-2 miles across a variety of terrain depending on the park.

The Popham Beach State Park hike starts at 1:30 p.m. and will investigate tidal pools on the Fox Island tombolo. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear is required. Hikers meet at the west side parking lot and can call 389- 1335 for more information.

In Freeport, the Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park walk begins at 10 a.m. At threetenths of a mile and about an hour duration, the walk is called “Winter in the Woods” and hikers will learn how various plants and animals survive the cold winter months.

Hikers should meet at the picnic shelter by the second parking lot and can call 865- 4465 for more information.