First Day Hikes at Virginia State Parks
Start the New Year with a visit to one of our 44 Virginia State Parks on January 1. Taking a hike to inspire those New Year resolutions centered on getting or keeping fit is the perfect family-friendly activity. First Day Hikes is an initiative of America's State Parks, and hikes are offered in state parks across the country. We have many hikes and opportunities to choose from, or you can visit a park of your choosing and create your own special First Day Hike. It's the perfect time to start your Trail Quest!
Visitors will receive a commemorative sticker while supplies last.
Please be safe on your adventure and enjoy free parking*!
Park Trail Maps
Download park maps to help you navigate the trails.
Parking
* While nearly all our parks will be free, there are two exceptions. Natural Bridge State Park has a per person admission fee for access to the bridge that still applies. The $5 parking fee for trail access outside of the Natural Bridge is waived. Southwest Virginia Museum is closed Jan. 1 although a hike is still planned.
Hikes
Dec. 31, 2025 11:00 p.m. - Jan. 1, 2026 1:00 a.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Forgo the fireworks and crowded festivities and accompany a ranger on this guided hike through the quiet woods with the moon and stars lighting the way.
Dec. 31, 2025 11:00 p.m. - Jan. 1, 2026 12:30 a.m.
Lake Anna State Park
Ring in the New Year on a Midnight Hike at Lake Anna State Park!
Dec. 31, 2025. 11:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Forgo the fireworks and crowded festivities and accompany a ranger on this guided hike through the quiet woods with the moon and stars lighting the way.
Jan. 1, 2026. 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sky Meadows State Park
Start the New Year Outdoors at Sky Meadows State Park!
Jan. 1, 2026. 6:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Lake Anna State Park
Kick off the New Year with a Sunrise Hike at Lake Anna!
Jan. 1, 2026. 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Seven Bends State Park
First Day Hikes have been a tradition within state parks for years and we are happy to offer multiple hikes this year to fit with any schedule or hiking ability.
Jan. 1, 2026. 6:45 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Greet the sun along Beaver Lake trail to start the new year off right.
Jan. 1, 2026. 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Widewater State Park
Come join our Ranger on a sunrise hike through the Holly Marsh Trail! With sunrise at 7:30am over the Potomac River, the hike will begin at 7:00am sharp. Registration is required and you can register here.
Jan. 1, 2026. 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Mason Neck State Park
Bundle up and celebrate the wonder of the season!
Jan. 1, 2026. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
We are looking forward to starting off 2026 on the right foot with our series of First Day Hikes: December 31, 2025 New Year's Eve Night Hike (11 p.m. - 1 a.m.): Hike in the new year.
Jan. 1, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Stop by the Park Office and pick up a nature trail guide brochure and discover the different flora and fauna that can be found in the winter.
Jan. 1, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
Start the new year with a photo scavenger hunt at Powhatan State Park.
Jan. 1, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Come ring in the New Year with a fresh start on the Clyburn Ridge Trail!
Jan. 1, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Holliday Lake State Park
Start off the New Year on the right, or left, foot.
Jan. 1, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Leesylvania State Park
Hike into 2026 at Leesylvania State Park.
Jan. 1, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park
Get your heart pumping as you hike into the new year at Natural Tunnel!
Jan. 1, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Caledon State Park
Kick off the new year at Caledon!
Jan. 1, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Natural Bridge State Park
Start 2025 by joining park rangers for our annual First Day Hike. This year we will be admiring the forests and beautiful panoramic views from Buck Hill Trail, which is a 2-mile, easy to moderate hike. The guided hike will take about 1.5 hours as we journey through the park's forests and meadows in winter.
Jan. 1, 2026. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
False Cape State Park
Explore the hidden hamlet of Wash Woods and see the various coastal habitats of False Cape.
Jan. 1, 2026. 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Our Little Tyke Hike, designed for families with children ages 6 and under (but suitable for all ages), is perfect for letting your little one(s) discover the park and the natural world in their own special way and at their own pace.
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Staunton River State Park
Ring in the New Year by joining us on a Ranger led hike on the River Bank Trail. Is your New Year's resolution to get in better shape, spend more time with friends and family, or to be in nature more? This is the perfect opportunity to jump start those initiatives. The hike will be about 2 miles with a difficulty level of easy/moderate. We will have multiple opportunities to observe the Staunton River, Dan River and the largest lake in Virginia, the John H.
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
This place, this land, is as old as time itself.
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Powhatan State Park
Start the New Year off on a good foot with a ranger-led hike through a rich variety of landscapes: winter woods, the tranquil James River, and frosty golden meadows.
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Claytor Lake State Park
Join our rangers on the first day of the New Year with some fun hikes or blaze your own trail.
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Join us in the New Year in exploring the future Mayo River State Park!
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sweet Run State Park
Sweet Run’s 11 miles of hiking trails will be open for you to enjoy on your own or with us on one of our two naturalist-led hikes. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hike to Gordon Pond This moderately-paced hike will be approximately 5 miles on a variety of beautiful trails with varied terrain.
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Douthat State Park
Start the new year with a refreshing walk through the quiet beauty of Douthat’s winter woods.
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Wilderness Road State Park
Step into the new year surrounded by the beauty and history of Wilderness Road State Park.
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Occoneechee State Park
Join us at Occoneechee State Park for a ranger-led First Day Hike.
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
Have you ever wondered how flora and fauna survive in a winter wonderland?
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
York River State Park
Kick off 2026 with one of two amazing hikes!
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Kiptopeke State Park
What better way to kick off the New Year than a guided nature hike observing local wildlife! Join Friends of Kiptopeke State Park for a First Day Hike.
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Douthat State Park
Before or after your First Day Hike, stop by the Camp Douthat Picnic Shelter for some cozy fun hosted by the Friends of Douthat State Park.
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Chippokes State Park
Stretch your wings on this First Day Hike all about the birds that call Chippokes State park their nest! Join a Ranger led excursion along College Run Trail to the shoreline of the James River.
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
New River Trail State Park
Need a refreshing start to kick off your new year?
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park
Kick off the New Year with a wheel-friendly hike at Lake Anna!
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Machicomoco State Park
Kick off the new year by learning about Indigenous history! In Virginia, a lot of pre-contact Indigenous history was obscured by colonization.
Jan. 1, 2026. 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Bear Creek Lake State Park
Start off 2026 with a walk among friends.
Jan. 1, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Our First Day Hike will begin near our new Visitor Center, known as High Bridge Station, and will continue along the trail to High Bridge.
Jan. 1, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Fido's First Day Hike is for people who want to share the first day of the new year on the trail with their best canine friend.
Jan. 1, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
There is no better way to celebrate the new year than with a hike!
Jan. 1, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
New River Trail State Park
Ring in the New Year at New River Trail with a first day hike! This hike will be a guided tour of the town of Fries and it's unique history as a mill town. The hike will be about 1 mile with a difficulty level of easy/moderate on uneven sidewalks. Meeting place will be at the Green Gazebo at Fries parking lot. This is a perfect opportunity to take first day hike photos with your family and friends. It's also the perfect time to start your Trail Quest! Visitors will receive a commemorative sticker while supplies last. Please be safe on your adventure and enjoy free parking*!
Jan. 1, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Chippokes State Park
Start the new year of 2026 outdoors with a Virginia Master Naturalist! The Virginia Master Naturalist Historic Southside Chapter will be hosting a Chapter Meet & Greet for all hikers to attend and enjoy. Spend time exploring and observing nature with Master Naturalists in the field.
Jan. 1, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Widewater State Park
Step into the new year with your hiking boots laced!
Jan. 1, 2026. 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Head out into the woods and work on your navigation skills with the Central Virginia Orienteering Club.
Jan. 1, 2026. 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Does your pup have what it takes to be a B.A.R.K Ranger? B.A.R.K.
Jan. 1, 2026. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Douthat State Park
Start the new year with a gentle adventure designed especially for young explorers and their families.
Jan. 1, 2026. 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Machicomoco State Park
Kick off the new year by learning about Indigenous history! In Virginia, a lot of pre-contact Indigenous history was obscured by colonization.
Jan. 1, 2026. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park
Start the new year with purpose and peace, and step into history.
Jan. 1, 2026. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Bring your canine companion and join the B.A.R.K.
Jan. 1, 2026. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Fairy Stone State Park
Hike along the shoreline of Fairy Stone Lake and discover how the Civilian Conservation Corps created the lake and other park features as they helped to bring our country out of the Great Depression.
Jan. 1, 2026. 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
New River Trail State Park
Ring in the New Year at New River Trail with a first day hike! This hike will be a guided tour of our village area at Foster Falls. The hike will be about 1 mile with a difficulty level of easy/moderate. Meeting place will be at the Caboose. This is a perfect opportunity to take first day hike photos with your family and friends. It's also the perfect time to start your Trail Quest! Visitors will receive a commemorative sticker while supplies last. Please be safe on your adventure and enjoy free parking*!
Jan. 1, 2026. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Offering scenic overviews of the north side of Swift Creek Lake, Co-op trail highlights the biodiversity of our park.
Jan. 1, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Grayson Highlands State Park
Ring in the New Year with a refreshing First Day Hike in the high country.
Jan. 1, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Clinch River State Park
Start 2025 with a Ranger led hike on the Sugar Hill Loop at Clinch River State Park!
Jan. 1, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Douthat State Park
Start your year with a scenic and invigorating hike on the Tobacco House Ridge Trail at Douthat State Park.
Jan. 1, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Southwest Virginia Museum
Kick off the new year with the park's First Day Hike.
Jan. 1, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hungry Mother State Park
Wash off 2025 and begin taking in 2026 on this guided hike along Clyburn Ridge Trail on the first day of the year!
Jan. 1, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
Join us for a tail-wagging adventure along the scenic Bluebell Trail of Shenandoah River State Park!
Jan. 1, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
New River Trail State Park
Need a refreshing start to kick off your new year?
Jan. 1, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Belle Isle State Park
It's not hard to capture the beauty of Belle Isle State Park and we have a challenge for you.
Jan. 1, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
Join a ranger for a guided hike down the Edgewood Trail here at Staunton River Battlefield State Park!
Jan. 1, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Caledon State Park
Kick off the new year at Caledon!
Jan. 1, 2026. 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Do you have a bad case of "cabin fever"?
Jan. 1, 2026. 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Chippokes State Park
If you're curious about trees, satisfy your curiosity on this Arbor Adventure! Join a ranger on Chippoax Trace Trail to identify Chippokes trees on this first day hike! This trail takes visitors from rolling farm fields, into canopied woodlands, up and down inclines, and to a worthwhile scenic view of the beautiful salt marshes of Chippokes.
Jan. 1, 2026. 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
False Cape State Park
Start off the New Year with an invigorating winter hike in one of Virginia's most unique state parks.
Jan. 1, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Twin Lakes State Park
Explore what hiking is all about with a ranger.
Jan. 1, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sweet Run State Park
Sweet Run’s 11 miles of hiking trails will be open for you to enjoy on your own or with us on one of our two naturalist-led hikes. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Hike to Gordon Pond This moderately-paced hike will be approximately 5 miles on a variety of beautiful trails with varied terrain.
Jan. 1, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Widewater State Park
Come join our Rangers on a guided hike through Long Pond Trail, a 1-mile looped hike around the Visitor Center that goes along the Aquia Creek.
Jan. 1, 2026. 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hayfields State Park
Help us ring in the New Year with breathtaking views! Join a park ranger for a 1.5 mile hike along Eagle's Rest Trail at Hayfields State Park.
Jan. 1, 2026. 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
Kick off the new year with a new hobby.
Jan. 1, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Douthat State Park
Step into the past and start the new year with a leisurely stroll along the YCC Trail, a half-mile, easy-rated hike that hugs the scenic shoreline of Douthat Lake.
Jan. 1, 2026. 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Raymond R. "Andy" Guest, Jr. Shenandoah River State Park
Ring in the New Year with a stroll along the river!
Jan. 1, 2026. 3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
End your First Day on a hike to see one of the "crown jewels" within the park.
Jan. 1, 2026. 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Lake Anna State Park
End your New Years Day celebration with a sunset walk on our most popular hiking trail!
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