Ringing in the new year often means parties and toasts at midnight. For those looking for something a little more low-key or perhaps want to get a jump on a New Year’s resolution, take a hike outdoors and experience nature during the winter.

As president of the Free State Happy Wanderers, Bob Wolfe has helped organize over 20 New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day walks through the Savage area.

“It’s like the turkey trots on Thanksgiving,”

Wolfe said. “It gets people out.”

An American Volkssport Association club, an organization promoting noncompetitive 3.1-mile walks that originally started in Germany, the Free State Wanderers welcome anyone to join in for the New Year’s walks, which take place between 8:30 a.m. to noon with a finish by 3 p.m., both days and costs a nominal fee of $3.

“Walks typically take about an hour,”

Wolfe said. “It’s pretty much all on sidewalks with some natural surfaces in Savage Park.”

Close to 300 people have walked in the past, he said. As New Year’s Eve is on a workday this year, Wolfe believes the numbers might go down a bit, though he estimates about 150 to 200 people will come.

“Walks take place rain or shine. We don’t stop for the weather unless it is a hurricane or 18 inches of snow and people can’t get out,” Wolf said. “My wife had to get used to walking when there was a little bit of snow on the sidewalks and it was cold outside.”

He recommends people dress in layers and bring water, which will also be available at the event.

“When you walk, you generate some heat,” Wolfe said. “Wear a hat and gloves.”

Volksmarch members can earn event stamps for both days as the trails are official AVA walks.

“Usually most weekends, there are events that clubs put on,” said Wolfe, mentioning an event in Annapolis that See OUTDOOR, page 5