ON THE GO: Start the new year with a hike at Clarkco State Park

Published 4:46 pm Wednesday, December 26, 2018

An earlier version of this article included an erroneous listing of a New Year’s Eve benefit party for Habitat for Humanity at Soule Steamworks. That event is not scheduled; it was held in a previous year.

Start the New Year off right Tuesday by taking a 2.5-mile guided tour through Clarkco State Park.

State parks across America are taking part in the first hikes. The tour will begin at the park office and refreshments will be available after the hike provided by Friends of the Park.

“We do this every year along with all the other state parks,” park manager Tony Fleming said. “It’s a good way to get everybody out of the house after eating all those good sweet potatoes and everything. We want to get people started off in the new year right by getting some exercise and seeing what all the park has to offer.”

While you’re there, check out the park. Clarkco has 21 cabins, 43 fully hooked up campsites, along with new nature trails and bridges.

“We have new trails and bridges built by AmeriCorps,” Fleming said. “One bridge is 70 feet long.” He said he hopes to get the AmeriCorps group back in February to assist in painting cabins and other projects.”

The group is made up of college students.

Fleming hopes everyone will make plans for the hike and dress accordingly with comfortable shoes and warm clothing.

The park is located at 386 Clarkco Road, Quitman.

If you’re making New Year’s Eve plans, Meridian Underground Music, (MUM,) will hold its annual New Year’s celebration from 6-10 p.m. Saturday at 2220 8th St. Free live music will be provided.

The last day to tour the 50th anniversary of the Trees of Merrehope will end Saturday. Don’t miss your chance to see the 50 beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the historic Merrehope and F.W. Williams homes. Tours are 9-5 p.m. and admission is $10 per person.

If you’re looking for a place to take the kids or if you’re a train buff, take a short trip to DeKalb to tour the DeKalb Regional Model Railroad Museum. Owner Jim Hobgood will give you a guided tour of his model railroads and other interesting memorabilia on display at the museum located at 299 Main St., DeKalb. Call Hobgood at (601) 938-1729 to arrange a tour.