Calendar of Events

First Day Hikes

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

December 2025

Dec 31
6:00p
End Date

First Day Hike - New Years Eve Hike - **Reservation Required**

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 2025 and ring in the new year while on a hike with us!
Dec 31
11:00p
End Date

Midnight Countdown Hike **REGISTRATION REQUIRED**

Dinosaur Valley State Park
Come say goodbye to 2025 and ring in the new year at Dinosaur Valley!
Dec 31
11:15p
End Date

Midnight Summit First Day Hike

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Join us for a Rock'ing New Year's Eve Hike on our Summit Trail and ring in the new year with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, rangers, and rock-lovers under the stars*!
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 - New Years Eve!

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Ring in the New Year right with a First Day Hike on the Kiowa Trail!
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
11:45p
End Date

First Day-Night Hike

Abilene State Park
Start your new year outdoors! Join us for our annual first day hikes.

January 2026

Jan 1 End Date

First Day Honey Creek Guided Walks *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 TPWD's 14th annual First Day Hike!
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!
Jan 1 End Date

First Day Midnight Hike

Inks Lake State Park
Start 2026 with a midnight hike and ring in the New Year with us!
Jan 1 End Date

Self-guided First Day Hike

Palmetto State Park
Hike our trails at your own pace! Instructions to take a 0.5 mile or 3 mile hike found here.
Jan 1 End Date

Guided First Day Windmill Trail Hike

Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site
Start the New Year with a morning hike at Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site.
Jan 1 End Date

First Day Self Guided Hike

Copper Breaks State Park
Join us for a First Day Hike!
Jan 1 End Date

Self(ie) Guided First Day Hike

Blanco State Park
Kick off 2026 on the trail!
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
6:45a
End Date

First Day Hike - Sunrise Beach Walk

Galveston Island State Park
Begin 2026 with a sunrise walk on the beach at Galveston Island State Park!
Jan 1
7:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Sunrise Edition!

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
New Year’s Day Sunrise Hike on the Triassic Trail!
Jan 1
7:00a
End Date

First Day Hikes – Chinquapin Challenge

Huntsville State Park
Start the new year off on the right boot and on our most popular trail.
Jan 1
7:30a
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
7:30a
End Date

Sunrise Bird Hike

Palmetto State Park
Join us to see the sunrise and start your New Year off with a hike!
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Hike 2026

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!
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Hike (Self Guided)

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Start the new year off on the right foot and enjoy a hike at the park.
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

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

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

Self-guided First Day Hike

Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
Start the new year off right with a peaceful hike in the canyons!
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

Story Book Stroll

Meridian State Park
Check out our self-guided First Day Hike available at the Shinnery Ridge Trail, featuring the children's book "Walking Through Texas" by author Courtney Rubalcaba.
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Self Guided

Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site / Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Ring in the New Year right with a First Day Hike
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

Self(ie) Guided First Day Hikes

Eisenhower State Park
Celebrate the first day of 2026 by taking a hike at Eisenhower State Park!
Jan 1
8:00a
End Date

First Day Self-guided Hike!

Cooper State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
Join us on New Year's Day to celebrate wellness in nature!
Jan 1
8:15a
End Date

First Day Self-Guided Hike

Lake Tawakoni State Park
Hike any trail of your choosing on January 1, 2026 from 8:15am-4:00pm and stop by the park headquarters after to receive your first day hike sticker!
Jan 1
8:30a
End Date

First Day Hike - Falls Loop

Pedernales Falls State Park
It's your first hike of the year! Start it off along a river!
Jan 1
8:30a
End Date

Tri-Park-A-Thon

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Join rangers at Ray Roberts for our 3rd Annual hike across all 3 units.
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

First Day Hike 2026 - Greenbelt FM 428 Aubrey

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
8:30a
End Date

First Day Birding Tour

Goose Island State Park
This program is part of First Day Hikes. Get birdy on the first day of the new year!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Guided Trail Sampler

Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Join a ranger on a 1.8-mile guided hike around Goliad State Park!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Nature Hike

Falcon State Park
Begin the New Year with a guided hike in nature!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike: Family-Friendly Morning Hike

Government Canyon State Natural Area
Start your kids' new year on the right foot enjoying the outdoors at Government Canyon State Natural Area!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

Early Risers First Day Hike

Abilene State Park
Start your new year outdoors! Join us for our annual first day hikes.
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hikes: Self-Guided Activities

Goose Island State Park
Start the New Year off with a resolution to spend more time outside enjoying nature!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Tyler State Park
Put your best foot forward into the New Year!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike: Birding the Island

Martin Creek Lake State Park
Start your New Year off with our feathered friends!
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

2026 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 - Bird Walk

Galveston Island State Park
Kick off 2026 with a refreshing Bird Walk at Galveston Island State Park!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hikes - Yoga at the Pavilion

Village Creek State Park
Join a park ranger for a gentle guided yoga session in nature.
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Prickly Pear

Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site / Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
Ring in the New Year right with a First Day Hike!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Beach Walk

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 Roll Out of Bed Hike

Eisenhower State Park
Start the New Year off comfy, cozy, and a little bit silly!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Paddle

Sea Rim State Park
Oar you ready to start the new year off right? Join us for a First Day Paddle of the salt marsh!
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

First Day Hike

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

First Day Hike for Your Health

Lockhart State Park
Start your New Year off right with a hike about supercharging your wellness!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike Chinati Mountains State Natural Area

Big Bend Ranch State Park
Be one of the first to start the new year off right with a hike at Chinati Mountains State Natural Area!
Jan 1
9:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Caddo Lake State Park
Join us for the annual nationwide First Day Hike here at Caddo Lake State Park!
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 - Mundy's Gap

Franklin Mountains State Park
Let's start the New Year’s resolutions off on the right hiking foot!
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
9:30a
End Date

Mile-High First Day Hike

Davis Mountains State Park
Start 2025 off on the right (or left) foot by joining us on our Mile-High First Day Hike.
Jan 1
9:30a
End Date

First Day Poetry Hike

Government Canyon State Natural Area
Spend a morning reading and composing poetry in nature while hiking Government Canyon State Natural Area.
Jan 1
9:30a
End Date

First Day Bird Walk

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
It's a new year -- time to start your yearly bird list!
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 Hikes!

Mission Tejas State Park
Kick-off the new year with a ranger-led hike!
Jan 1
9:30a
End Date

First Day Hike: Bluff Spurs

Government Canyon State Natural Area
Celebrate the first day of the new year with an adventure on the Bluff Spurs Trail.
Jan 1
9:30a
End Date

Friends of McKinney First Day Fun Run

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

First Day Guided Hike - Gorman Falls

Colorado Bend State Park
Start of the New Year with a guided hike to the tallest and most famous waterfall in Central Texas!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Guided Hike (Morning)

Purtis Creek State Park
Join us at Purtis Creek and take to the trails to celebrate TPWD's 14th annual First Day Hike!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Inks Lake State Park
Hit the trial with us as we celebrate a new year.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hikes

Lake Livingston State Park
Join us at Lake Livingston State Park for a hike on the first day of 2026!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Madrone-Juniper Ridge Loop

Pedernales Falls State Park
Its your first hike of the year! Start it off with an adventure!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Guided Hike

Lake Tawakoni State Park
Start your new year right and join a ranger for this 1.8 mile guided hike!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Osprey Hill

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 2026!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Track Talk

Dinosaur Valley State Park
Gather round and hear the 113-million-year-old story of our dinosaur tracks!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike at Post Oak Ridge State Park

Post Oak Ridge State Park
Join us for our first public hike to Post Oak Ridge - registration is required!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

Beginner-Accessible First Day Hike (Registration Required)

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Ring in 2026 with this easy ranger-guided hike in the newest park in Texas!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

Intermediate First Day Hike (Registration Required)

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Celebrate the New Year in the newest park in Texas with this intermediate Ranger-Guided hike!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike: Hoodoos Trailhead

Big Bend Ranch State Park
Start the new year off right with a hike to the iconic Hoodoos Trailhead along the park's river district on River Road FM170.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike!

Cooper 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 2026

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: Tails to the Trails

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

First Day Hike! A Journey Through Time

Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Take a walk with your family through historical photos, placed at the part of the park they were taken at. Learn about the park's history!
Jan 1
10:00a
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
10:00a
End Date

2026 First Day Hike

Garner State Park
Start 2026 off right with a dose of nature! This is a guided First Day Hike to the top of Old Baldy revealing scenic overlooks of the Frio River and Texas Hill Country.
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike

Meridian State Park
Start your year with fresh air and new adventures at Meridian State Park!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike -- C.C.C. our History!

Blanco State Park
Celebrate the New Year by learning about the young men that built this park nearly 100 years ago!
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

First Day Hike (Ranger-Guided, Mountain View, 0.8 miles)

Daingerfield State Park
Start your New Year off right by going on a First Day Hike!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

Guided Summit First Day Hike

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Kick your 2026 off right with a ranger guided hike to the summit of Enchanted Rock
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike at South Llano River State Park!

South Llano River State Park
Start your New Year off at South Llano River State Park with a guided hike through the beautiful pecan bottomland!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Upper Sunset & Tom Mays Trails

Franklin Mountains State Park
Let's start the New Year’s resolutions off on the right hiking foot!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

First Day Hike 2026

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. We will also have interpretive stations throughout the park sharing about the park's history and natural resources from 10am-3pm. 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 and weather permitting the Leon River Dutch Oven Gang will be serving up some black-eyed peas for good luck in the coming year (while they last)!
Jan 1
10:00a
End Date

Self-Guided First Day Hike

Old Tunnel State Park
Hike our half-mile trail to start off your New Year.
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

First Day Hike: Let's Ring in 2026!

Stephen F. Austin State Park
Begin the New Year with a healthy dose of nature and start a new tradition at Stephen F. Austin State Park!
Jan 1
11:00a
End Date

First Day Hike - Hackenburg Loop

Pedernales Falls State Park
It's your first hike of the year! Start it off along a river!
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 of 2026 Hikes

Cedar Hill State Park
Join us for a hike on the first day of the new year in 2026!
Jan 1
11:00a
End Date

First Day Hike 2026 - 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
11:00a
End Date

First Day Polar Plunge

Balmorhea State Park
Start the new year with a splash!
Jan 1
11:00a
End Date

First Day Hikes - Guided Mountain Biking

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
12:00p
End Date

First Day Self-Guided Hike

Inks Lake State Park
Begin your New Year on a trail!
Jan 1
12:00p
End Date

First Day Hike: Let's Ring in 2026!

Stephen F. Austin State Park
Begin the New Year with a healthy dose of nature and start a new tradition at Stephen F. Austin State Park!
Jan 1
12:30p
End Date

First Day Hike (B.A.R.K. Ranger)

Daingerfield State Park
Join us for a stroll around the day-use area with your B.A.R.K. Ranger! Not a B.A.R.K Ranger? Come earn your badge!
Jan 1
1:00p
End Date

Beginner-Accessible First Day Hike (Registration Required)

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Ring in 2026 with this easy Ranger-guided hike in the newest park in Texas!
Jan 1
1:00p
End Date

Intermediate First Day Hike (Registration Required)

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Celebrate the New Year in the newest park in Texas with this intermediate Ranger-Guided hike!
Jan 1
1:00p
End Date

Challenging First Day Hike (Registration Required)

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Join us in welcoming 2026 with this challenging, Ranger-guided hike in the newest state park in Texas!
Jan 1
1:00p
End Date

First Day Hike: Trek to the Tracks

Government Canyon State Natural Area
Take a 5-mile guided hike to see the dinosaur tracks at Government Canyon.
Jan 1
1:00p
End Date

First Day Hike

Bonham State Park
Join us for the first hike of the year at Bonham State Park
Jan 1
1:00p
End Date

First Day Hike

Atlanta State Park
Join us on a guided hike through the forest of Atlanta State Park!
Jan 1
1:00p
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
1:30p
End Date

First Day Hikes (Guided)

Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Join rangers for our annual First Day Hike to celebrate the New Year.
Jan 1
1:30p
End Date

First Day Junior Ranger Nature Hike

Falcon State Park
Junior Rangers of all ages can start 2026 with a guided hike and earn a badge!
Jan 1
1:30p
End Date

First Day B.A.R.K. Ranger Hike

Eisenhower State Park
Kick off the New Year with your four-legged friend!
Jan 1
1:30p
End Date

First Day Hike

Tyler State Park
Put your best foot forward into the New Year!
Jan 1
1:45p
End Date

First Day Hike - Guided

Lake Brownwood State Park
Join us for a guided ranger hike to celebrate New Years' Day!
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike (Ranger-Guided, Rustling Leaves, 2.4 miles)

Daingerfield State Park
Start your New Year off right by joining us on our First Day Hike!
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

Late Risers First Day Hike

Abilene State Park
Start your new year outdoors! Join us for our annual first day hikes.
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike! - Mesquite Bend Trail

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
2:00p
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
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

DINO DIVE!

Dinosaur Valley State Park
Join us for our 10th annual Dino Dive to celebrate the New Year!
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

Old Tunnel First Day Guided Hike

Old Tunnel State Park
Join Ranger Izzy and start your New Year's off on the right foot.
Jan 1
2:00p
End Date

First Day Hike!

Cooper State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
Join us on New Year's Day to celebrate wellness in nature!
Jan 1
3:00p
End Date

First Day Fossils!

Pedernales Falls State Park
It's your first hike of the year! Start it off with some fossils and scenic views!
Jan 1
3:00p
End Date

Beginner-Accessible First Day Hike (Registration Required)

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Ring in 2026 with this easy Ranger-Guided hike in the newest park in Texas!
Jan 1
3:00p
End Date

First Day Hike! BARK Ranger

Lake Corpus Christi State Park
You've heard of Junior Ranger for kids... now there's B.A.R.K Ranger for dogs! Your dog can earn a B.A.R.K Ranger certificate after completing this hike!
Jan 1
3:30p
End Date

Hats Off to the New Year: First Day Hike

Eisenhower State Park
Start the year on the right foot, and under your favorite hat!
Jan 1
5:15p
End Date

First Day BARK Ranger Guided Hike

Lake Tawakoni State Park
Catch the first sunset of the year with your pup on this half-mile BARK Ranger guided hike!
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!
Jan 1
6:00p
End Date

First Day Hike: Full Moon Forest

Martin Creek Lake State Park
Take a stroll by the light of the silvery moon.

January 2027

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!

January 2028

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!

January 2029

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!

January 2030

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!