Calendar of Events

First Day Hikes

First Day Hikes is a nation-wide program to encourage hiking on New Year's Day. Start a new tradition and join us!

December 2023

Dec 31
9:30a
End Date

First Day Hike - Self-Guided

Lake Brownwood State Park
Take a First Day Hike at your own pace on our trails!
Dec 31
2:45p
End Date

First Day Hike - Evening

Lake Brownwood State Park
Join us for a guided ranger hike to celebrate New Years' Eve!
Dec 31
10:00p
End Date

New Year's Eve Honey Creek Nature Hike *Registration Required*

Honey Creek State Natural Area
Say goodbye to 2023 and ring in the new year while on a hike with us!
Dec 31
10:00p
End Date

Old Baldy Midnight Hike

Garner State Park
Old Baldy Midnight Hike: Come toast the New Year from the top of Old Baldy. Park staff will lead a hike up the Old Baldy Trail. We will meet just before midnight, hike, sit by a campfire, drink some sparkling cider, and hike down in 2024.
Dec 31
10:30p
End Date

First Day Hike - Midnight Summit Hike

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Ring in the new year from the highest point in our park: the summit of Enchanted Rock. This is a guided hike with park rangers and volunteers.
Dec 31
11:00p
End Date

Midnight Countdown Hike

Dinosaur Valley State Park
Come say goodbye to 2023 and ring in the new year from the top of our Scenic Overlook!
Dec 31
11:00p
End Date

Inks First Day Events!

Inks Lake State Park
Join us for several events spanning New Year's Eve until afternoon on New Year's Day.
Dec 31
11:30p
End Date

First Day Hike: Midnight Kick-Off!

Purtis Creek State Park
Join a ranger for a midnight hike along the Wolfpen Trail to kick off the new year!
Dec 31
11:30p
End Date

First Day Hike – Midnight Hike

Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
Welcome in the New Year and make a lifetime memory, outdoors! At Lake Mineral Wells State Park.
Dec 31
11:30p
End Date

First Day Hike - Midnight

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Ring in the New Year right with a First Day Hike on the Kiowa Trail!

January 2024

Jan 1 End Date

First Day Honey Creek Nature Hikes *Registration Required*

Honey Creek State Natural Area
Experience the natural and cultural history of Honey Creek on our First Day Hikes!
Jan 1 End Date

First Day Hike! (Self-Guided)

Purtis Creek State Park
Join us at Purtis Creek and take to the trails to celebrate our 12th annual First Day Hike!
Jan 1 End Date

First Day Hike Photo Scavenger Hunt

Lake Colorado City State Park
Start the year off outdoors with a photo scavenger hunt! This First Day Hike has two options of a guided hike at 2PM, or as self-guided hike any time of day!
Jan 1 End Date

Self-Guided First Day Nature Hikes

Guadalupe River State Park
Experience the great outdoors and join us for a self-guided First Day Hike!
Jan 1 End Date

First Day Hikes

Cedar Hill State Park
Join us for a hike on the first day of the new year in 2024!
Jan 1 End Date

First Day Hike – Self-Guided

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Ring in the New Year right with a First Day Hike! Take a photo of yourself or a feature on our trails on Jan. 1 and get a First Day Hike sticker!
Jan 1 End Date

First Day Hikes!

Pedernales Falls State Park
Take your first hike of the year in the beautiful hill country!
Jan 1
7:00a
End Date

Rise N' Shine First Day Hike

Lake Brownwood State Park
Join a ranger to catch the first sunrise of the New Year!
Jan 1
7:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Sunrise Beach Walk

Galveston Island State Park
Begin 2024 with a sunrise walk on the beach at Galveston Island State Park!
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

Self-Guided First Day Hike

Lockhart State Park
Feel like a hike, but at your own pace? We got you covered.
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Brazos Bend State Park
Start the New Year off on the right foot and join in the annual First Day Hike at Brazos Bend State Park on Jan. 1 at 40 Acre Lake Trail (1.2 mile), starting at 8 am and goes until noon. First Day Hike stickers will be available while supplies last.
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Morning Hike

Lockhart State Park
Start your New Year off right with a morning hike at Lockhart State Park!
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Hike 2024 - Greenbelt 428

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle Du Bois Unit
Looking to start the New Year off right? Do it outdoors with a hike at the Greenbelt Unit!
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Self-guided Hike, Bike and/or Ride!

Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit
Join us on New Year's Day to celebrate wellness in nature!
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Hike: Birding

Government Canyon State Natural Area
Learn about the fun and excitement of birding, including tips on using binoculars, cameras, field guides and sound recordings.
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Self-guided Hike!

Cooper Lake State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
Join us on New Year's Day to celebrate wellness in nature!
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Ray Roberts Lake Tri-Park-A-Thon!

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle Du Bois Unit
Start the new year off right with by hitting the trail and participating in our Tri-Park-A-Thon
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

Ray Roberts First Day Tri-Park-A-Thon

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Start the New Year off right by hitting the trail and participating in our first Tri-Park-A-Thon.
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Hike! - Self Guided

Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
Join in a long-standing tradition happening throughout the nation and take a hike on New Year's Day.
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Nature Bingo

Fort Boggy State Park
While enjoying a hike around the trails, take a look around. It could win you a game of Bingo.
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Celebration

Huntsville State Park
Spend the first day of the year with Huntsville State Park.
Jan 1
8:30a
End Date

First Day Hike - Start it Right!

Estero Llano Grande State Park
Join us on our annual First Day Hike, a fun way to fulfill those New Year resolutions!
Jan 1
8:30a
End Date

New Year's Resolutions First-Day Hike

Lake Somerville State Park - Birch Creek Unit
Join us on January 1st as we combine the power of resolutions with the serenity of nature!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Sea Rim State Park
Start your resolutions off right by joining us for a hike on the beach on the first day of the new year!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike 2024

Mother Neff State Park
Start off the new year on New Year's Day by exploring the natural beauty of Mother Neff State Park. Come enjoy miles of fun and join us on the trails at Mother Neff. Explore the park at your own pace and learn about the history of the park along the way. Once you have completed your hike, come back by the visitors’ center and share your experience. We will even have a small memento for your participation.
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Self Guided

Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
Start your year off right! Join us with a First Day Hike.
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

Polar Bear Plunge!

Balmorhea State Park
Get a start celebrating New Year's Day with the first swim of 2024 in the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike: Dragonfly Trail

Lake Arrowhead State Park
Celebrate the New Year with a hike!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Scenic Loop

Big Spring State Park
Start your new year with a guided hike through Big Spring State Park!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center
Start off the New Year on the right foot by joining us for our First Day Hike!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Dog Walk

Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center
Start off the New Year on the right foot by joining us for our First Day Hike, pups included!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

2024 First Day Hikes

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
🥳Start the year off on the right foot and join us for a hike at Hueco Tanks!!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike: Harmony Hill Trail

Martin Creek Lake State Park
Start the new year off right with a hike!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike: Stroll Down the Discovery Trail

Government Canyon State Natural Area
Start the new year with a gentle walk on the all-weather Discovery Trail.
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike: Birding the Lakeshore

Tyler State Park
Start the New Year off right with a new walk and a new hobby.
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike!

Cleburne State Park
Have you made your New Year's resolution? Life is Better Outside. Start the year off with a breath of fresh air! Come join us for a ranger-led hike to the beautiful and historic CCC Spillway!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hikes - Self-Guided Activities

Village Creek State Park
Start the New Year off with a resolution to spend more time outside enjoying nature! Bring your family and pets (on a leash) to help us top our First Day Hike participation record!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Chinquapin Trail

Huntsville State Park
Kick off the new year with Boots on the trail.
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike: Wonders of the River

Big Bend Ranch State Park
Kick off the New Year with a refreshing hike along the river!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Garner State Park
First Day Hike: Celebrate the new year on our first day hike to Crystal Cave. The hike is a good for children and adults, it covers about 2 miles, one cave, an elevation change of 400 feet, plus some of the best views in the park.
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Ring in the NEW year on this OLD trail.
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

Self-Guided First Day Hike

McKinney Falls State Park
Start off the new year with a hike!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Galveston Island State Park
Give 2023 the boot and get the new year started on the right foot!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Stephen F. Austin State Park
Start the off 2024 on the right (or left) foot for a guided hike at Stephen F. Austin State Park.
Jan 1
9:30a
End Date

First Day Hike 2024!

Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit
Kick off the new year with an outdoor adventure! Join us at Emperor Run Trail for a guided walk.
Jan 1
9:30a
End Date

First Day Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Hikes

Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Spend the first day of 2024 exploring our trails at your own pace.
Jan 1
9:30a
End Date

First Day Hike - Self-Guided

Lake Brownwood State Park
Take a First Day Hike at your own pace on our trails!
Jan 1
9:30a
End Date

First Day Hike: Family-Friendly Morning Hike

Government Canyon State Natural Area
Start the new year with a leisurely hike at Government Canyon State Natural Area with the Friends of Government Canyon.
Jan 1
9:30a
End Date

Friends of McKinney Falls First Day Fun Run

McKinney Falls State Park
Join us for our 5th annual Friends of McKinney Falls Fun Run and support McKinney Falls State Park!
Jan 1
9:45a
End Date

First Day Horse Ride to the Overlook

Dinosaur Valley State Park
Bring your horse and join Eagle Eye Ranch for a guided horse ride to the Overlook!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Birding with a Guide

Lake Whitney State Park
Join us on the Two Bridges Trail for an easy 1 mile hike to discover birding tips and tricks. Start your New Year enjoying the sites and sounds of Lake Whitney State Park.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Osprey Hill Loop

Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
Join in a long-standing tradition happening throughout the nation and take a hike on New Year's Day!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike 2024

Lake Tawakoni State Park
Start your new year right and join a ranger for this half-mile guided hike!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hikes - Hiking With Intention

Village Creek State Park
Join a Village Creek State Park Ranger to ring in the New Year with a mindful hike in nature.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

Mile-High First Day Hike

Davis Mountains State Park
Start 2024 off on the right (or left) foot by joining us on our Mile-High First Day Hike.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike!

Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit
Join us on New Year's Day to celebrate wellness in nature!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike on the Prairie!

Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
Celebrate the New Year with a ranger led hike!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike 2023

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Start off the New Year with a hike in the park!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Morning Summit Hike

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Start off 2024 with a guided hike to the summit of Enchanted Rock. Learn about the park's history and natural features as you hike with a park ranger or volunteer.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike: Tails to the Trails

Government Canyon State Natural Area
Ease into the new year with your favorite canine friend on a Ranger-led dog-walk along the Savannah Loop Trail.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike -- Hike and Learn About the CCC

Blanco State Park
Join us for a 1-mile hike to learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Company 854. We'll learn about the CCC and then leisurely hike around the park to see many of the CCC structures. There will be an option to extend the hike for those wanting a longer hiking experience.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike! - Penitentiary Hollow Wild Walk

Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
Start your New Year in the great outdoors! Reservations required. Explore beautiful sandstone formations in remote areas only accessible on this guided hike.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

Self-Guided First Day Hike

Daingerfield State Park
Recover from the holidays by joining us for a First Day Hike on New Year's Day!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Animal Signs Bingo Hike

Lockhart State Park
Star your year off with an adventure to discover who pooped in the park and play a fun game of bingo on the trails!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Caddo Lake State Park
Join us on a guided hike through the diverse habitats of Caddo Lake State Park!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Possum Kingdom State Park
Start your New Year with friends and family in beautiful Possum Kingdom State Park.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Big Pine Trail!

Mission Tejas State Park
Start 2024 off right with a first day hike!
Jan 1
10:30a
End Date

First Day Hike

South Llano River State Park
Start off the new year with a park ranger for a hike through the pecan bottom down to Buck Lake.
Jan 1
11:00a
End Date

New Year's Resolutions First-Day Hike

Lake Somerville State Park - Nails Creek Unit
Join us on January 1st as we combine the power of resolutions with the serenity of nature!
Jan 1
11:00a
End Date

Ever Changing Hike

Fort Leaton State Historic Site
Ring in the new year with Ranger Stahr on a leisurely .6 mile hike!
Jan 1
11:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Enjoy the beginning of 2024 in the great outdoors!
Jan 1
11:00a
End Date

First Day Overlook Hike

Dinosaur Valley State Park
Join us to celebrate the New Year with a guided hike to the best view in the park!
Jan 1
11:00a
End Date

First Day Hike: What a View!

Government Canyon State Natural Area
Start the new year with an adventure on the Bluff Spurs Trail.
Jan 1
11:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Stephen F. Austin State Park
Kick of the New Year on the right (or left) foot with a guided hike at Stephen F. Austin State Park
Jan 1
12:00p
End Date

First Day Hike 2024 - Isle du Bois Unit

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle Du Bois Unit
Looking to start the New Year off right? Do it outdoors with a hike at the Isle du Bois Unit!
Jan 1
12:00p
End Date

First Day Hike - Wild Things Scavenger Hunt

Lake Whitney State Park
These wild things are animals that walk, crawl, slither, swim or fly, Oh my! Enjoy an easy one-mile walk with clues to help you figure out what wild thing you are searching for. Start this challenge at headquarters to get the clue sheet. Go to the Two Bridges Trail anytime after noon to start your search looking high and low for the wild animal posters.
Jan 1
1:00p
End Date

Late Risers First Day Hike

Abilene State Park
A First Day Hike for those who want to sleep in.
Jan 1
1:00p
End Date

First Day Hike: North Onion Creek Trail

Lake Arrowhead State Park
Celebrate the New Year with a hike!
Jan 1
1:00p
End Date

First Day Hike

Devils River State Natural Area
A guided first day hike at Fire Lane Trail, where you can enjoy the scenic views of the park.
Jan 1
1:00p
End Date

First Day Hike - Historic Carvings Walk

Big Spring State Park
Take in the views while taking a step back in time. Join us on a guided walk that highlights the park's unique overlooks and rock carvings.
Jan 1
1:00p
End Date

First Day Hike!!

Bonham State Park
Start the new year and all of those good intentions with a good hike at Bonham State Park!
Jan 1
1:15p
End Date

First Day Hike - Lakeside

Lake Brownwood State Park
Join us for a guided ranger hike to celebrate New Years' Day!
Jan 1
1:30p
End Date

Caminata del primer día: propósitos de año nuevo

Lake Somerville State Park - Nails Creek Unit
¡Únase a nosotros el 1 de enero mientras combinamos el escribir de los propósitos de año nuevo con la serenidad de la naturaleza!
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike

Daingerfield State Park
Recover from the holidays by joining us for a First Day Hike on New Year's Day!
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike

Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Enjoy the beginning of 2024 in the great outdoors!
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike: Island Trail

Martin Creek Lake State Park
Start the new year off right with a hike!
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike: Hiking Through the Pines

Tyler State Park
Discover the health benefits of the forest.
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hikes - Compass Reading

Village Creek State Park
Join a Village Creek State Park ranger to ring in the new year and learn land navigation.
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike! - Penitentiary Hollow Wild Walk

Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
Start your New Year in the great outdoors! Explore beautiful sandstone formations in remote areas only accessible on this guided hike.
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike - 2 @ 2

Huntsville State Park
Kick the new year off with boots on the Trails - Short Hike
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Kayak

Garner State Park
First Day Paddle: Take your first kayak trip of the year or your first one ever at Garner State Park. Learn some basics of kayaking then take a guided trip down the Frio River.
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike

Atlanta State Park
Join us on a guided hike through the forest of Atlanta State Park!
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike!

Cooper Lake State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
Join us on New Year's Day to celebrate wellness in nature!
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike!

Purtis Creek State Park
Join us for a hike to start a healthy New Year.
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

Late Riser's Guided First Day Hike

McKinney Falls State Park
Start off the new year in nature!
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Ladies' Hike

Lockhart State Park
Start your year off with a walk about women's history!
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike

Possum Kingdom State Park
Start your New Year with friends and family in beautiful Possum Kingdom State Park.
Jan 1
2:30p
End Date

First Day Swim /Frio Float and Freeze

Garner State Park
First Day Swim (Frio Float and Freeze): Bring your floats and swimsuits to join the park staff for our second annual Frio Float & Freeze. Take your first swim of the year and enjoy some Ice Cream floats. It’s really not as cold as you think!
Jan 1
3:00p
End Date

First Day Hikes - Discovery Hike

Village Creek State Park
Join a Village Creek State Park ranger to ring in the new year with a nature hike to explore the biodiversity of the Big Thicket.
Jan 1
3:00p
End Date

First Day Hike - 3 @ 3

Huntsville State Park
Kick off the New year with boots on the trails, slept in hike.
Jan 1
4:00p
End Date

Caminata del primer día: propósitos de año nuevo

Lake Somerville State Park - Birch Creek Unit
¡Únase a nosotros el 1 de enero mientras combinamos el escribir de los propósitos de año nuevo con la serenidad de la naturaleza!
Jan 1
5:00p
End Date

First Day Hike – Sunset

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Ring in the New Year right with a First Day Hike! Join our rangers for a brisk, evening hike on the CCC and Triassic Trails right as the sun sets over the rim of the canyon!
Jan 1
5:30p
End Date

First Day Night Hike

Lockhart State Park
Join us for a night hike to discover the critters that come out when the sun goes down!