Great parks, great guided hikes, great contests, free parking -- what a way to start the New Year.

Seven reasons to attend a Virginia State Parks First Day Hike

Park entrance is free at all Virginia State Parks Jan. 1.*

Hikes are family and pet friendly (dogs are not allowed in False Cape State Park and some hikes are not appropriate for strollers).

First 50 visitors to each Virginia State Park receive a special 80th anniversary commemorative pin.

All 36 Virginia State Parks are offering a guided hike but you can design your own experience and still participate. Choose a park and hike from the list here.

Take a photo on Jan. 1 and upload to our contest site by midnight for a chance to win great prizes. The contest site (you won't see the option to enter until Jan. 1), list of prizes, complete rules and judging criteria can be found here.

Challenge friends, family, co-workers to participate by signing up for our team competition. Winners will be drawn randomly for prizes. Decide on a team name, sign up here from now through Jan. 1 and after the hike sign back in before midnight to certify that you participated. More details can be found here.

Participate in a national movement to start the New Year with the Fifth Annual First Day Hikes sponsored by America's State Parks. First Day Hikes will be held in all 50 states. See the nationwide press release here.

Actually, there is an 8th reason -- Virginia State Parks First Day Hikes are just plain FUN.

*Due to the unique aspects of False Cape State Park, there is a charge for transportation into the park.