Big Country residents participate in first hike of 2025

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – With the start of the new year comes resolutions or goals people set for themselves.

One of the more frequent goals set over the years is to live a healthier lifestyle and exercise more. Residents from across the Big Country started their new year off by taking steps as a part of Abilene State Park’s first hike of 2025.

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The hike was split into two sessions, one more beginner-friendly, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Residents came out for many reasons, including to fulfill a box on their list, like Christie Galvan.

“I’ve always wanted to do this on my bucket list. Let’s go do it. So here, here I am,” Galvan said.

Other residents, like Tristan Skinner, are using the hike to heighten outdoor skills and take in the sights.

“I just like being outside because being a Boy Scout, that’s a big thing.  Being outside, learning outdoor ethics,” Skinner said. “[I want to] get outside more because I feel like I could take this earth for granted, and it’s just a beautiful place to be in.”

Families like the Hernandez are kicking off the new year with new traditions to continue for years to come.

“Me and my family are starting a new tradition for like a bingo board this year. And one of our bingo board things is to do 12 hikes,” Ashley Hernandez said.

The morning hike occurred at Lake Abilene, with participants making three of the five-mile trail. Leading the residents was Mike Sparks, who created the trail years ago. He says now he enjoys introducing others to the Big Country Beauty.

“For those people seem to be stuck in town all the time and don’t get a chance to come out.  All I can say is get out there and enjoy what God has provided,” Sparks said. “I enjoy it, but I want to share with others. When I see them coming out here and enjoying it. I feel like I accomplished something worthwhile.”

Assistant Superintendent of the Parks Candyce Johnson said she wants participants not just to make this a one-time deal but to make it a habit.

“It’s great to start off the year by being active. It kind of sets the tone really for the rest of your year,” Johnson told KTAB/KRBC. “I hope that everybody has a really great time, enjoys the views over here on the the back side of the lake of our lovely hills that we have out here.”

Hernandez wants to push others that a new year is not the only time to make changes in your life; she says you can start any day.

“You don’t need the New Year to be able to start or do things that you want to do. Whether it be January 6, which is a Monday, or March, I mean, just get out and do what you want to do,” Hernandez said.

The state park is currently open to the public.