The way you choose to celebrate New Year’s Day can say a lot about the year to come, your priorities, your goals, and the first steps you take toward a fresh start. January 1st is our collective opportunity to reflect on the previous year and look forward to new possibilities. What better way to celebrate this than stepping into nature?
America’s State Parks are hosting safe and healthy First Day Hikes on January 1st. State parks in all 50 states are offering free hiking experiences including virtual, self-guided, and group events. This is a fantastic opportunity to plan a fun New Year’s Day activity with your loved ones that combines exercise with education. From Oregon to Florida and everywhere in between, there are hiking events happening in your backyard. Below are examples of First Day Hikes across the country.
Tip: If you want to transform your First Day Hike into an overnight excursion, you can search for the state park where you’ll be participating in the hike to make a reservation.
First Day Hike Events
1. Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware
Start the New Year off on the right foot! Take in the scenic beauty and ecological importance as we hike around the Point. For ages 7 and older with an adult. No pets. Parking is limited so please carpool. Call the Nature Center at 302-645-6852 for more information. FREE
Turn your hike into a camping trip. The park has RV campsites and cabins.
More Delaware State Park First Day Hikes
2. Chain O’Lakes State Park, Indiana
Join us on our First Day Hike as we join State Parks across the country in this annual tradition! This year we are also celebrating America’s 250th birthday, so wear your red, white, and blue attire and let’s begin 2026 with a walk through Chain O’Lakes State Park’s beautiful winter landscape. Meet the Naturalist at the Boat Rental Parking Lot for a guided hike followed by hot cocoa and cookies ($1.00 suggested cash donation). There will be an option for a 1.25-mile hike and for a 3.25-mile hike. In the case of extreme cold, we will still hold the hike, but it may be shortened.
There are 18 cabins and RV sites available.
See More Indiana State Parks First Day Hikes
3. Cedar Bluff State Park, Kansas
Meet at the Park Office and join an easy 1.25-mile hike along the Butterfield Trail. Be sure to dress up for the costume contest. Winners will be rewarded KDWP items and other location gift cards.
Find a Kansas State Park event
4. Letchworth State Park, New York
Letchworth has several free guided and self-guided hikes to kick off the year on the right foot! Take one of the many trails to breathtaking views of the gorge and Genesee River making wonderful photo opportunities for the family.
View more New York State Parks and DEC First Day Hikes.
5. Martin Dies Jr. State Park, Texas
Begin the new year with a self-guided meditative walk along one of the seven trails on our Martin Dies Jr. State Park trails map. Hike with a ranger on Island Trail at 8 a.m. OR 10 a.m. or Forest Trail at 2 pm for First Day Hikes of 2026!
Plan to extend your peaceful adventure in nature by reserving a campsite or cabin.
View All Texas State Park First Day Hikes
Didn’t see a hike in your area? Check out all of the First Day Hikes to find one near you!
The First Day Hikes website linked above offers a helpful color-coded U.S. map organized by state so you can find a hiking event in your community. Events will be added throughout the month of December so check back periodically for the latest information. Make it an annual tradition, and don’t forget to share your adventures using the hashtag #FirstDayHikes on social media.
Search for a hike near you and learn more about First Day Hikes at stateparks.org.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!