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 2024
Dec
31
9:30p
End Date
Black Light Hike & Scavenger Hunt at Midnight!
Fort Parker State Park
Take a New Year’s hike at midnight with a Fort Parker State Park ranger! Visit the 1/2-mile Bur Oak Nature Trail and see what you might with an awesome black light! Continue the New Year's fun with a "Riddle-Me-This" scavenger hunt by moonlight. Can you answer the riddles to ring in the New Year?
Dec
31
11:00p
End Date
Midnight Countdown Hike
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Come say goodbye to 2024 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 and New Year's Day.
Dec
31
11:00p
End Date
New Year’s Eve Hike: Countdown to 2025
Lake Somerville State Park - Birch Creek Unit
Welcome the New Year with a peaceful night hike!
Dec
31
11:00p
End Date
Dec
31
11:25p
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
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 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 Kick-Off!
Purtis Creek State Park
Join a ranger for a midnight hike along the Wolfpen Trail to kick off the new year!
January 2025
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
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 13th annual First Day Hike!
Jan
1
End Date
Jan
1
End Date
Jan
1
End Date
2025 First Day Hike
Fort Boggy State Park
Start your year outside with a leisurely hike down the newly opened Tunnel Trail.
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
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 Hike: Hike the Trails Challenge (Self-Guided)
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
Start your year right, with a hike! Take on our challenge to travel all of our trails on January 1!
Jan
1
6:45a
End Date
First Sunrise of 2025 Hike
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Ring in the New Year right with a First Day Hike!
Jan
1
7:00a
End Date
First Day Hike
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Greet the first sunrise of the year with a sunrise hike!
Jan
1
7:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Sunrise Beach Walk
Galveston Island State Park
Begin 2025 with a sunrise walk on the beach at Galveston Island State Park!
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
8:00a
End Date
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
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. First Day Hike stickers will be available while supplies last.
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 Hike -- Self-Guided
Monahans Sandhills State Park
Hike our nature trail or blaze your own trail in the dunes!
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
Tri-Park-A-Thon
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Join rangers at Ray Roberts for our 2nd Annual hike across all 3 units.
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 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 - Self-guided
Big Spring State Park
Start your year off with a morning hike through Big Spring State Park.
Jan
1
8:15a
End Date
First Day Self-Guided Hike
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Hike any trail of your choosing on Jan. 1st from 8:15am-4pm and stop by park headquarters after to receive your First Day Hike sticker!
Jan
1
8:30a
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
8:30a
End Date
First Day Hike: Forest Trail
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
Start your year off right! Join us for a guided hike along the Forest Trail. Hikers receive an official First Day Hike sticker!
Jan
1
8:30a
End Date
First Day Self-Guided Hike: New Year's Resolutions
Lake Somerville State Park - Nails Creek Unit
Begin your new year with a rejuvenating hike at Lake Somerville State Park, Nails Creek Unit!
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 Reflections of 2024 and Nature Hike
Lake Whitney State Park
Join us for the First Day Hike tradition, hosted by TPWD. Adventurers of all ages and skill levels come together to explore the great outdoors. This hike will be focusing on reflections and gratitude for nature as we kick off the New Year.
Jan
1
8:30a
End Date
New Year's Resolutions First Day Hike
Lake Somerville State Park - Birch Creek Unit
Join us on January 1 as we combine the power of resolutions with the serenity of nature!
Jan
1
8:30a
End Date
First Day Self-Guided Hike: New Year's Resolutions
Lake Somerville State Park - Birch Creek Unit
Begin your new year with a rejuvenating hike at Lake Somerville State Park, Birch Creek Unit!
Jan
1
8:30a
End Date
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 - 1 Mile Loop - Buescher
Buescher State Park
Start 2025 off on the right foot by strapping on your hiking boots and going on a guided First Day Hike in Buescher State Park!
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike: Birding the Island
Martin Creek Lake State Park
Bring in the new year with some feathered friends!
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 Hike - Self-guided
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Kick off the New Year with a hike through nature
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Hikes
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Spend the first day of 2025 exploring our trails at your own pace.
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Begin your year with a healthy dose of nature and start a new tradition at Stephen F. Austin State Park!
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Begin the Year at the Top!
Hill Country State Natural Area
Tip-off the new year at the top of an iconic viewshed at Hill Country State Natural Area. Take a guided hike with Ranger Augie, to an incredible view of the Texas Hill Country. This is a challenging but rewarding 3-mile trek on the West Peak Overlook Trail for a great start to the new year. Join Hill Country SNA, Texas State Parks, and the rest of the nation for First Day Hikes 2025! Get your 2025 First Day Hike sticker while supplies last.
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Bird Walk
Galveston Island State Park
Kick off 2025 with a refreshing Bird Walk at Galveston Island State Park!
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: 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
9:00a
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
9:00a
End Date
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
2025 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 Hikes: Forest Bathing
Palmetto State Park
Take your time to ground yourself with nature on this first day of the New Year.
Jan
1
9:00a
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
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 Bird Walk
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
It's a new year -- pick up a new hobby...
Jan
1
9:30a
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
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 - 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 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
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 2025!
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day Hike
Garner State Park
Start 2025 off right with a dose of nature! This is a guided First Day Hike along the Old Entrance Road at Garner State. Park.
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
Inks First Day Events!
Inks Lake State Park
Join us for several events spanning New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day Morning Hike
Lockhart State Park
Detox from holiday stress with a little help from nature!
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Whitetail Loop (Spillway)
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 2025!
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
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
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 - Novice
Copper Breaks State Park
Join us to kick off the New Year with a First Day Hike!
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
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 half-mile guided hike!
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
Abilene Lake First Day Hike
Abilene State Park
Join a member of the Park's Friends Group on an intermediate First Day Hike on our lake trail!
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day Hike! (Morning Hike)
Mission Tejas State Park
Kick-off the new year with a ranger-led hike!
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 Hikes
Mother Neff State Park
Kick off the start of the new year by exploring the natural beauty of Mother Neff State Park.
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
Lost Maples First Day Hike
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Start 2025 right with a First Day Hike at Lost Maples!
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Opt Outside at the Closed Canyon
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Opt to be outside today as the new year starts. Begin with a hike of Closed Canyon.
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 13th annual 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 1 as we combine the power of resolutions with the serenity of nature!
Jan
1
11:00a
End Date
First Day Hike: North Onion Creek Trail
Lake Arrowhead State Park
Celebrate the New Year with a hike!
Jan
1
11:00a
End Date
First Day of 2025 Hikes
Cedar Hill State Park
Join us for a hike on the first day of the new year in 2025!
Jan
1
11:00a
End Date
Jan
1
11:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Accessible Paved Trail - Bastrop
Bastrop State Park
Start off 2025 by getting some time in nature at Bastrop on a guided walk along paved sections of trail on the 1-mile Lake Mina Loop.
Jan
1
11:00a
End Date
First Day Overlook Hike
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Grab your boots and join a ranger for the first Overlook hike of the New Year to the best view in the park!
Jan
1
12:00p
End Date
Jan
1
12:00p
End Date
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
First Day Hike - Mindfulness 6-Mile Loop at Bastrop
Bastrop State Park
Start 2025 off on the right foot by strapping on your hiking boots and hitting the trails in a state park! Join a ranger for a longer hike on newer sections of trails that were just opened this last year in 2024!
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
First Day Hike - River Loop
Pedernales Falls State Park
It's your first hike of the year! Start it off along a river!
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
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 Hike
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Begin your year with a healthy dose of nature and start a new tradition at Stephen F. Austin 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
First Day Hike: Island Trail
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
Start your year off right! Join us for a guided hike along the beautiful Island Trail. Hikers receive an official First Day Hike sticker!
Jan
1
1:30p
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
1:30p
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 escribir los propósitos de año nuevo con la serenidad de la naturaleza!
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
2:00p
End Date
First Day Hikes - Habitat Restoration 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! (Afternoon Hike)
Mission Tejas State Park
Kick-off the new year with a ranger-led hike!
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 - Challenging
Copper Breaks State Park
Join us to kick off the New Year with a First Day Hike!
Jan
1
2:00p
End Date
First Day Afternoon Hike
Abilene State Park
Work on that New Year's Resolution and come out for the afternoon to join a ranger on a hike!
Jan
1
2:00p
End Date
First Day Hikes: Plants of Palmetto
Palmetto State Park
Join us this New Year Day to learn about some of the plants found in Palmetto SP.
Jan
1
2:00p
End Date
Get Froggy at Fort Boggy!
Fort Boggy State Park
Hop in the lake for an invigorating start to the new year.
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 Hike: New Year's Resolution Hike
Martin Creek Lake State Park
Get your new year started on the right foot!
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 Animal Signs Bingo Hike
Lockhart State Park
Start 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
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 Guided Hike (Afternoon)
Purtis Creek State Park
Join us at Purtis Creek and take to the trails to celebrate TPWD's 13th annual First Day Hike!
Jan
1
2:00p
End Date
DINO DIVE!
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Join us for our 9th annual Dino Dive to celebrate the New Year!
Jan
1
2:00p
End Date
Tracks to the Past
San Angelo State Park
Jan
1
2:00p
End Date
First Day Hike PART 2!
Choke Canyon State Park - South Shore Unit
Come explore Choke Canyon's South Shore Unit!
Jan
1
2:30p
End Date
First Day Fishing
Goose Island State Park
Start the new year off right by spending some time outdoors!
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
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 escribir los propósitos de año nuevo con la serenidad de la naturaleza!
Jan
1
4:30p
End Date
First Day Sunset Guided Hike
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Catch the first sunset of the year with this half-mile ranger-guided hike!
Jan
2
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!
December 2025
Dec
31
9:30p
End Date
Black Light Hike & Scavenger Hunt at Midnight!
Fort Parker State Park
Take a New Year’s hike at midnight with a Fort Parker State Park ranger! Visit the 1/2-mile Bur Oak Nature Trail and see what you might with an awesome black light! Continue the New Year's fun with a "Riddle-Me-This" scavenger hunt by moonlight. Can you answer the riddles to ring in the New Year?
December 2026
Dec
31
9:30p
End Date
Black Light Hike & Scavenger Hunt at Midnight!
Fort Parker State Park
Take a New Year’s hike at midnight with a Fort Parker State Park ranger! Visit the 1/2-mile Bur Oak Nature Trail and see what you might with an awesome black light! Continue the New Year's fun with a "Riddle-Me-This" scavenger hunt by moonlight. Can you answer the riddles to ring in the New Year?
December 2027
Dec
31
9:30p
End Date
Black Light Hike & Scavenger Hunt at Midnight!
Fort Parker State Park
Take a New Year’s hike at midnight with a Fort Parker State Park ranger! Visit the 1/2-mile Bur Oak Nature Trail and see what you might with an awesome black light! Continue the New Year's fun with a "Riddle-Me-This" scavenger hunt by moonlight. Can you answer the riddles to ring in the New Year?
December 2028
Dec
31
9:30p
End Date
Black Light Hike & Scavenger Hunt at Midnight!
Fort Parker State Park
Take a New Year’s hike at midnight with a Fort Parker State Park ranger! Visit the 1/2-mile Bur Oak Nature Trail and see what you might with an awesome black light! Continue the New Year's fun with a "Riddle-Me-This" scavenger hunt by moonlight. Can you answer the riddles to ring in the New Year?
December 2029
Dec
31
9:30p
End Date
Black Light Hike & Scavenger Hunt at Midnight!
Fort Parker State Park
Take a New Year’s hike at midnight with a Fort Parker State Park ranger! Visit the 1/2-mile Bur Oak Nature Trail and see what you might with an awesome black light! Continue the New Year's fun with a "Riddle-Me-This" scavenger hunt by moonlight. Can you answer the riddles to ring in the New Year?