First Day Hikes

Location of Bear Creek Lake State Park in Virginia

Where

Bear Creek Lake State Park, 22 Bear Creek Lake Rd., Cumberland, VA 23040.
Bear Creek Hall

When

Jan. 1, 2023. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Feel good at Bear Creek Lake State Park on the first day of the year by joining friends old and new on a fresh stroll. Bear Creek Hall will be open at 9 a.m., so you can get trail guides and other park information before setting off on your personal trail adventure. From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., the Friends of Bear Creek Lake will also be on hand with refreshments and camaraderie.

Two separate ranger-led hikes will be offered, both beginning at 11 a.m., and both departing from Bear Creek Hall. Each hike will last about 45 minutes. "Tree Tips" will look at five common species of trees, and how they can be identified through characteristics other than leaf shape. Visitors with mobility concerns can take part in a 12:30 p.m. stationary "Tree Tips" program. "Wild Walking" will engage youth as they prowl the trail while moving the way different forest animals move. Both ranger-led hikes will journey over moderate terrain with some short inclines. Occasional roots on the trail may make passage difficult for those with baby strollers.

Please keep in mind that hunting is allowed in the Cumberland State Forest, so if your intended route involves the Cumberland Multi-Use Trail or the Willis River Trail, wearing blaze orange clothing is strongly recommended.

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 804-492-4410
Email Address: BearCreek@dcr.virginia.gov