Special to Iredell Free News

The Friends of Lake Norman State Park (FLANO) has several events coming up in January to enjoy some outdoor recreation or to volunteer to preserve this park’s natural beauty that community members enjoy.

FIRST DAY HIKES AND RIDES

The First Day Hike and Ride events will be on Saturday, January 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All participants should meet at Visitor Center, located at 759 State Park Road.

FLANO will have coffee, hot chocolate, and s’mores for visitors to enjoy at shelter behind the Visitors Center after they join a ranger for a guided Alder Trail hike (10 to 11 a.m.) or take a self-guided First Day Hike during the event.

Bikes adventures with the Tar Heel Trailblazers will also be ongoing. All riders need to bring is their bikes and water. There will be three group rides for different skill levels: advanced group ride of 30 miles at 10 a.m. a moderate 15-mile ride at 11 a.m., and a 12 noon one-hour easy pace ride.

MLK DAY OF SERVICE

The MLK Day of Service will be on Monday, January 16, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Meet at State Park Visitor Center to help with parks projects as part of the National Day of Service. Call the park at 704-528-6350 for more information.