Kick 2020 off with an adventure by participating in one of the First Day Hikes offered by N.C. State Parks. Parks across the state, and the nation, will host guided hikes on New Year’s Day.

• Chimney Rock State Park. A group stroll up the 3.2-mile entrance road will commence at 8 a.m., meeting at the park entrance next to Old Rock Café. Usually restricted to vehicle traffic only, the road will be pedestrian-only that morning and admission will be free for hikers. A park ranger will lead an informative discussion about the park’s history during the walk, including a crossing of the bridge over Rocky Broad River, which was first traversed in 1916. A shuttle will be available at the top to return hikers to their vehicles at Chimney Rock Village by 10 a.m., and hikers can return to the park that same day at no charge.

 

• Gorges State Park. Meet at the visitor center at 10 a.m. to join a ranger for a 2.4-mile hike to Upper Bearwallow Falls. All participants must be prepared for cold temperatures and a strenuous hike, also bringing their own food and water. However, hot chocolate and cookies will be provided afterward courtesy of Friends of Gorges.

 

• Gorges State Park. Meet at Bearwallow Picnic Area at 2 p.m. to join a ranger on a kid-friendly 0.8-mile hike to Upper Bearwallow Falls. All participants must be prepared for cold temperatures and a strenuous hike, also bringing their own food and water. However, hot chocolate, s’mores and cookies will be provided afterward courtesy of Friends of Gorges.

 

• Grandfather Mountain State Park. A stroll along the lower Profile Trail will make for an unforgettable winter hike, with the group meeting at the Profile Trail parking area at 1 p.m. Ranger Appling will lead the excursion. This trail section is moderate, and hiking boots are strongly recommended. Participants should bring their own water and snacks, and dress for the weather. No pets, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

 

• Mount Mitchell State Park. Learn about the park’s unique high alpine environment during a strenuous 2-mile hike atop the Black Mountains ridgeline to Mount Craig, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Deep Gap Trailhead in the picnic area of the Lower Summit Parking Lot. The hike includes an elevation change of 275 feet and will take about three hours, depending on the group’s pace. Winter clothing and insulated hiking boots with traction devices such as crampons are recommended for this time of year. Hikers should bring water and a snack. If the Blue Ridge Parkway or the park is closed due to winter weather, the hike will be rescheduled for the earliest available date. Unsafe trail conditions could also result in a change of plans, with the group instead hiking the three-quarter-mile Balsam Nature Trail.

With Arizona State Parks’ First Day Hikes on Monday, Jan. 1, you can enjoy a beautiful hike and start the new year feeling healthy.

This year marks the sixth annual collaboration of all 50 state-park systems across the country to offer guided First Day Hikes and other activities on New Year’s Day, said Michelle Thompson, chief of communications for Arizona State Parks & Trails.

“This event is specifically planned to kick-start resolutions for the new year and help people get started on a healthy note,” Thompson said.

“First Day Hikes are absolutely family-friendly; there are hikes, walks, tours and activities for all skill levels and all ages, ranging from bird walks, tours through our historic parks, snow play — if there is snow — boat tours and more strenuous hikes,” she said.

In addition to giving people a chance to start 2018 in a healthy way, Thompson said First Day Hikes also let people see parts of Arizona they may have never seen before.

Thompson hopes that participants will enjoy their outings so much that they will be inspired to return to the park or visit other ones.

“We really hope that by getting out to experience the parks, people can see how much there is to see and do and will want to explore other parks or revisit their favorite during the year,” she said.

See more about Arizona’s plans here…

Find out about your state here…

What better way to kick off the New Year than by getting a jump start burning off those extra holiday calories in the great outdoors?

On New Year’s Day, America’s State Parks have all 50 states offering free, guided First Day Hike Programs. These hikes provide a means for individuals and families to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature.

Last year nearly 55,000 people rang in the New Year, collectively hiking over 133,000 miles throughout the country on the guided hikes. Numerous others hiked state park trails throughout the day.

The guided First Day Hikes are led by knowledgeable state park staff and volunteers. The distance and rigor vary from park to park, but all hikes aim to create a fun experience for the whole family. People are invited to savor the beauty of the state park’s natural resources with the comfort of an experienced guide so they may be inspired to take advantage of these local treasures throughout the year.

America’s State Parks have been entrusted to preserve a variety of magnificent places from California to Maine. Hikers can experience a plethora of outdoor recreation activities including mountain and hill climbing, walks along lakes and beaches, exploration of trails through great forests, wildlife expeditions, bird-watching and much more.

America’s State Park programs are committed to promoting outdoor recreation in hopes to help address obesity, especially in children. Furthermore, exercise and outdoor activities rejuvenate the mind and body, promoting overall mental and physical health and wellness. Many believe that time spent in nature enhances creativity and lifts our moods.

Take advantage of the programs that America’s State Parks have to offer and get connected to our country’s shared resources by finding a First Day Hike near you. Let this mark the beginning of a healthy lifestyle for the whole family.

Start your New Year off on the right (or left) foot with a First Day Hike at a State Park.

Explore history, view winter wildlife, enjoy fresh air and connect with nature at these fun, family-friendly events. First Day Hikes are a healthy way to rejuvenate with family and friends after the long holiday rush.

These free, guided hikes are usually easy to moderate in difficulty and have a wide range of miles. Hikers should dress for winter weather, wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots appropriate to the conditions and bring water and snacks.

First Day Hikes is an annual, nationwide special event co-sponsored by America’s State Parks. Last year, the event saw record participation with more than 800 hikes and 28,000 participants across all 50 states. First Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass.

Visit your state’s state park website for details on First Day Hikes near you…