Kick Off 2025 with Group Hikes in Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana

2024 is Coming to a Close

Can you believe the year is almost over already? I’m still getting used to writing “2024!” I have to brag for a second—my New Year’s resolution this year was to drink more water (it’s actually been my resolution for the last five years). But this year, I finally pulled it off! I started with a new water jug and eventually upgraded to a Stanley my husband bought me on a whim. Having a dedicated water bottle that I only use for water has made a huge difference. Now, I’ve got to come up with a new resolution to tackle.

Alright, back on track… New Year's!

What Was the Most Popular New Year's Resolution in 2024?

I figured the most popular resolution this year would be “lose weight,” but according to Statistica, the number one resolution for 2024 is actually to save money, with losing weight coming in second.

As for me, I don’t hop on the scale too often. But a couple of months ago, I stepped on one at the doctor’s office and was hit with a 10-pound gain this year. Not a huge deal at first glance, but when I add in the 30 pounds I’ve gained over the past five years, it’s time for a change. So, I decided to give my eating habits a makeover.

I’ve focused on three things: cutting sugar, cutting calories, and yes, drinking more water. I’ve been tracking everything on MyFitnessPal, and I’ve been doing pretty well. But the scale hasn’t budged much. Ugh, middle age really came for me this year!

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My 2025 Lifestyle Makeover Includes Excercise

So, my eating makeover is turning into a lifestyle makeover, and I’m adding exercise into the mix. Here’s the kicker though—I hate the gym! I’d much rather do “real-world” exercise. I actually enjoy cleaning our horse's stall. Sounds a little silly, but I don’t even think of it as exercise. I also love hiking and used to do it a lot until my big dog passed away. I didn’t feel safe hiking alone in the woods after that. No judgment, but I’ve got to look out for myself.

That’s why I’m looking into group hikes for safety in numbers! There are two awesome hikes coming up on New Year’s Day that I’m excited about.

New Year's Day Hikes in Western Kentucky & So. Indiana

Angel Mounds State Historic Park
Start the year off with a hike hosted by the scouts of Troop and Pack 301. Meet at the Angel Mounds boat ramp at 1 PM and get ready to hike an easy 4 miles on a mostly flat route. Bring your own water and snacks. Scouts and non-scouts are welcome (non-scout youth need to bring an adult). The hike happens rain or shine, so as the Scout Motto says: “Be Prepared.”

Land Between the Lakes
Land Between the Lakes is hosting a New Year's Day Hike on January 1 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM that will start at the Woodlands Nature Station area. It’s a perfect way to get outdoors and kick off the new year. Visitor Information Specialist Emily Cleaver told me that she always wanted to host a New Years hike. They wanted it to be as accessible to families as it could so they are hiking on one of the easier, shorter paths. She plans on bringing her four-year-old out for the hike. She wanted to remind everyone to dress for the weather, and feel free to bring the whole family (and your pets)!

Any of these sound like fun to you? Let’s start the year off right with some fresh air and a little adventure! Hopefully, the weather will be nice. You never know in this neck of the woods!