RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Virginia State Parks system is participating in a national program to start Americans down on a healthy path in 2013.

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It's called First Day Hikes and it begins New Year's Day. All 35 state parks in Virginia are participating

Last year, more than 14,000 people hiked more than 30,000 miles in state parks across the country. Officials say in Virginia, 3,708 people hiked 5,583 miles during First Day Hikes.

Hikers are encouraged to bring field guides, a natural journal and a camera.