Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Home > Blog > Virginia State Parks First Day Hikes 2018

Virginia State Parks First Day Hikes 2018

By Nancy HeltmanPosted November 28, 2017

Join the movement that gets larger every year and participate in our annual First Day Hikes. An initiative of America's State Parks, this year will be bigger and better than ever.

Visit any of our 37 Virginia State Parks on January 1 and participate in one of our guided hikes and programs or create your own adventure. All of our parks are free to enter that day as a way to encourage everyone to start the New Year right. The hardest part may be deciding which park to visit and some of our past First Day Hike participants have visited more than one.

Oh, and we use the term "Hikes" but also count strolling, biking, horseback riding, rambling, wildlife viewing ...

For a complete list of scheduled hikes and programs for Jan. 1, 2018, click here.

After you decide WHERE you plan to visit to participate, be sure to participate in our two contests for a chance to win some great prizes.

New Year Challenge

To participate in this contest, you need to "Resolve" or "Pledge" to participate using our online signup tool here. You must do this before midnight on Dec. 31 to participate in the contest. After you visit the park on Jan. 1, you will need to enter the fact that you completed the Challenge before midnight on Jan. 1. You go back to the same web page to register your participation. Prizes will be awarded based on a drawing of folks who complete the Challenge. It's not every year you can make and complete a New Year's Resolution on the first day of the year.

Grand Prize: $500 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate

First Prize: $250 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate

Second Prize: $100 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate

Third Prize: 10,000 Virginia State Parks Loyalty Points

Gift certificates may be used for overnight stays,
picnic shelters and annual passes.
An adult will have to claim any prize won by someone under 19.

Photo Contest

Take a photo on Jan. 1 at one of our Virginia State Parks and upload the photo to the contest site before 11:59 p.m. ET on Jan. 1. You can enter up to 3 photos and must abide by the rules of the contest.

Grand Prize: $500 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate

First Prize: $250 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate

Second Prize: $100 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate

Third Prize: $66 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate

Gift certificates may be used for overnight stays,
picnic shelters and annual passes.
An adult will have to claim any prize won by someone under 19.

Winners will be selected by our marketing staff and not the results of the voting but the votes may influence that decision. All decisions are final.

Questions? Email me. I only ask that you read the information before emailing. If you have any trouble with the contest site, please email me before the contest deadline. We can't accept additional entries after the deadlines so please resolve issues with me when I can still remedy the situation.