Did you know that Chippokes was once at the bottom of the ocean? During that period abundant shells, teeth, and bones were covered in sediments to create the fossils we find today.

Kids, want to discover cool animals, unique plants, or beautiful areas when out exploring this winter?

While the American tradition of celebrating the New Year occurs at midnight on New Year's Eve, other cultures celebrate by enjoying the sunrise on New Year's Day.

Celebrate the New Year outside with a step in the right direction.

Enjoying a hike on New Year's Day has become a healthy tradition for many of us, this year we're letting you be in charge of your adventure.

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.

We are looking forward to 2023 and our series of ranger-led First Day Hikes: December 31, 2022 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. New Year's Eve Night Hike: Hike in the new year.

Powhatan State Park is offering ranger-led and self-guided opportunities to explore the park on the first day of the new year.

Twin Lakes State Park is offering ranger-led and self-guided opportunities to explore the park on the first day of the new year.

Join us at Occoneechee State Park this New Year's Day on a ranger-led journey along the Beaver Pond Trail.

Join Friends of Seven Bends State Park and the Help Others Get Healthy (HOH) Walkers Clubs for a First Day Hike at Seven Bends State Park!  All hikes meet at the historic Lupton Barn and end back at the Lupton picnic shelter.

Since hiking is a healthy activity and a great way to connect with nature, doing it more is a perfect new year's resolution.

With 2022 behind us, what better way to start the new year than with a day at Powhatan State Park.

Start the New Year off right with some morning exercise to get the blood pumping. After all, studies show that getting out in "green space" promotes wellness.

Make like a tree and leave...2022 behind!

This year's "First Day Hike" event will be a self-guided scavenger hunt with clues found on all of our hiking trails and a few other points of interest.

Celebrate the New Year hiking to Lovers' Leap and hear about the tale of the star-crossed lovers.

Looking to hike three-mile Otter's Path trail for First Day Hikes?

Bring your pup to the park and start the new year off in a pawsitively awesome way.

Throughout the day Mason Neck will be leading many types of hikes for both children and adults.

After the iron industry moved away from the area, residents of Fayerdale went from mining to 'shining.

Enjoy the first day of the new year with a guided hike from Dannelly Fitness Complex to Chestnut Falls.

Take a hike through the mining history of the New River.

Celebrate the new year by joining us for a guided hike through our Interpretive Area where you'll hear about the history of our park.

Celebrate the new year by joining park rangers and volunteers for the annual First Day Hike at Shenandoah River State Park.

Enjoy the first day of the new year by joining rangers and volunteers for our annual First Day Hike. This year we will be admiring the Blue Ridge Mountains and beautiful panoramic views from Skyline Trail, which is a 1.6-mile, easy to moderate hike.

Come join us at Holliday Lake State Park for a First Day Hike.

Did you know that Chippokes was once at the bottom of the ocean? During that period abundant shells, teeth, and bones were covered in sediments to create the fossils we find today.

Ring in the New Year by joining the Friends of Kiptopeke State Park and a Park Ranger for the 2023 First Day Hike.  On this guided hike learn about the history of the park and the animals that call it home.  After the hike join Rangers for some hot chocolate.  The hike will be approximately 1 mile.  Please dress appropriately for the weather and terrain.  You never know what you may see, bring your binoculars and cameras. .

Ring in the new year with multiple firsts - a celebratory Ranger-led hike on the first day of the year at the one and only First Landing State Park.

This place, this land, is as old as time itself.

Long before Captain John Smith explored the area, this area was the home of the Patawomeck Tribe.

Leave the modern world behind and journey into Virginia’s frontier past on our one mile first day hike.

Join Master Naturalist, Kim Manion, for an 0.5 mile hike on easy terrain that will follow Buck Like trail.

Begin the New Year outdoors on the banks of the York River.  Join us for a ranger guided hike around Woodstock Pond.  We will cover a mile and a half through upland woods and ending along the York River shoreline.  Meet at the amphitheater at 11:00 AM.  Or, take a self guided adventure along our other hiking and multi-purpose trails.  .

Ever wonder how trees can be identified in winter months?

Become one with nature on our ranger-led "Wild Walking" hike.

Start the year off on the right step, and what better place to do it then James River State Park. Back by popular demand is our First Day Hike, which is a national event encouraging people to get outside on the first day of the year. We will be offering two guided hikes, and you can pick which one interests you the most. For the nature lover, we will be giving a tour of our wetlands. For those passionate about history, we will be offering a "History Hike". We will show you some historical highlights in the park as well as covering the areas history from fossils to the Civil War.

Get your heart pumping in the New Year, on this ranger lead hike on Purchase Ridge.

Enjoy a 1 mile trek through the woods and along agricultural fields, eventually ending with a salt marsh overlook, as you learn about an important trade route.

Ring in the New Year with this rugged, three mile hike.  Join a Park Ranger on a strenuous three mile hike along the Sugar Hill Loop Trail and Hillside Trail.

Come out to Massie Gap and walk off the holiday calories for the 2023 1st Day Hike.  Take a moderate hike to the high country and learn how the alpine balds were created and the unique boreal features of Grayson Highlands State Park.  Bring water, snack and good hiking footwear, the hike will be moderate.  Meet at the Massie Gap field.

Start the new year off right by joining park rangers for a First Day Hike.

Start off the New Year with an invigorating winter hike in one of Virginia's most unique state parks.

The legendary Christmas Possum has come again and has hidden ornaments around the Fern Hollow Trail.

Wanting to make a New Year's resolution to get fit in 2023?  There's no better place to begin than by  joining us for the First Day Hike on the Red Bud Trail at the Mayo River Trails.

Do you have a bad case of "cabin fever"?

Life can be stressful, so a perfect New Year's resolution is to find ways to take care of yourself.

Join rangers in celebrating the new year on a hike to Edmunds Lake.

Our second First Day Hike is a little more on the quiet side for anyone who may have celebrated by ringing in the New Year.

Celebrate the new year by joining us for a guided hike through our Interpretive Area where you'll hear about the history of our park.

Did you know there are species that are dependent on wetlands for their survival?   Explore the unique beauty of wetlands during this ranger-led hike.

Join us at the Clover Visitor Center to learn about native animals and their tracks and create your own mold to take home! A Virginia Master Naturalist will then lead a guided hike along the Edgewood Nature Trail to look for tracks and animal signs.

There's no better way to start the new year than a visit to Smith Mountain Lake. The Discovery Center will be open after our First Day Hike.

Enjoy the New Year on a guided walk with a park interpreter down to the Natural Tunnel.