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 2022
Dec
31
10:00p
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 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
First Day Campfire and First Day Night Hike
Lake Livingston State Park
Join Ranger Joel around a campfire to celebrate New Year's. We might get a chance to see some local fireworks displays! We will take a short "First Day" night hike after the campfire.
Dec
31
11:00p
End Date
Midnight Countdown Hike
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Countdown the New Year with a hike to the Overlook!
Dec
31
11:15p
End Date
Guided Midnight Hike w/ Hot Cocoa & S'mores
San Angelo State Park
Ring in the New Year outside with a guided hike through portions of Roadrunner and Strawberry trails. We will be able to observe nocturnal wildlife and have s'mores and hot cocoa to stay warm.
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 2023
Jan
1
End Date
First Day Honey Creek Nature Hikes
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 of 2023
Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site
Get a start celebrating Texas State Parks' 100th Year on New Year's Day with a nature-minded hike at Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site.
Windmill Trail is open for day-use; you can participate in this self-guided hike at anytime.
Jan
1
End Date
First Day Hike - Self Guided
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Kick off the new year with a hike through the woods!
Jan
1
End Date
Jan
1
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
End Date
First Day Self-guided Hike and or Bike!
Cooper Lake State Park - Doctors Creek Unit
Join us on New Year's Day to celebrate wellness in nature!
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 – 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
End Date
First Day Hike, Bike, Run, Paddle
Inks Lake State Park
Join us by starting the New Year with multiple activities within the park.
Jan
1
End Date
First Day Self-Guided Hike, Bike, Canoe, or Kayak Adventure
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
Start the new year off with a self-guided tour on one (or more) of our hiking, biking, canoeing, or kayaking trails.
Jan
1
7:00a
End Date
First Day Sunrise Hike
Lockhart State Park
Start your New Year off right with an early morning hike at Lockhart State Park!
Jan
1
7:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Sunrise Beach Walk
Galveston Island State Park
Begin 2023 with a sunrise walk on the beach at Galveston Island State Park!
Jan
1
7:15a
End Date
Rise 'N Shine Hike - First Day Hike
Lake Brownwood State Park
Start the New Year off right with a guided ranger hike to see the sunrise!
Jan
1
7:30a
End Date
First Day Birding Tour
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Start your year list with Lake Corpus Christi State Park!
Jan
1
8:00a
End Date
First Day Hike
Fort Boggy State Park
We are starting off the new year and the Texas State Park 100 year celebration with a hike.
Jan
1
8:00a
End Date
First Day Self-Guided Hike – Roadrunner Trail
San Angelo State Park
Hike Roadrunner Trail for a self-guided First Day Hike! The total trail is 3 miles long. However, you can adjust it to your needs. Be sure to stop back by the gatehouse after your hike to report your miles and receive your First Day Hike sticker.
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 - Introduction to Birdwatching
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
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
Eisenhower State Park
Hike off the holidays and start the new year with a little adventure!
Jan
1
8:00a
End Date
First Day Celebration
Huntsville State Park
Celebrate the First Day of the year on the trails at Huntsville State Park.
Jan
1
8:00a
End Date
First Day Hike: 100 Years in the Making
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit
Join us on our First Day Hike and help celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks
Jan
1
8:00a
End Date
Self-Guided First Day Hike - Move Like an Animal
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Start the New Year off on the right foot with our self-guided hike!
Jan
1
8:00a
End Date
Self-Guided First Day Hike - Dinosaur Track Site Hike
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Start the New Year off on the right foot with our self-guided hike!
Jan
1
8:00a
End Date
Self-Guided First Day Hike - Cedar Brake Outer Loop Hike
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Start the New Year off on the right foot with one of our self-guided hikes!
Jan
1
8:00a
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
8:00a
End Date
First Day Hike: Fresno Divide Trail
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Ring in the New Year with a ranger-led hike. You will explore some of the most spectacular natural and historical landscapes in Big Bend Ranch State Park!
Jan
1
8:00a
End Date
New Year's Day Shore Explore
Mustang Island State Park
Start the New Year with a breath of fresh ocean air
Jan
1
8:00a
End Date
First Day Hike: Self - Guided
Palmetto State Park
Start the year off right, with some peace of mind at your own pace.
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
8:15a
End Date
First Day Hike - Self-Guided
Hill Country State Natural Area
Start the new year with a hike through the hill country.
Jan
1
8:15a
End Date
Jan
1
8:30a
End Date
First Day Hike!
Buescher State Park
Start 2023 off on the right foot by strapping on your hiking boots and going on a self guided First Day Hike in Buescher State Park!
Jan
1
8:30a
End Date
Self-Guided First Day Activities
Village Creek State Park
Start the New Year off with a resolution to spend more time outside enjoying nature!
Why not join us at the park and start a new First Day tradition? You can come alone, bring your family, ask a friend to join you, or even spend some quality time with your leashed pup. Choose one or more of these self-guided activities to begin.
Jan
1
8:30a
End Date
Self-Guided First Day Hike
Goose Island State Park
Ring in 2023 with a self-guided one-mile hike on the Turks Cap Trail. Swing by headquarters for trail information and supplemental guides.
Jan
1
8:30a
End Date
Jan
1
8:30a
End Date
First Day Hike!
Bastrop State Park
Start 2023 off on the right foot by strapping on your hiking boots and going on a self guided First Day Hike in Bastrop State Park!
Jan
1
8:30a
End Date
First Day Hike - West Peak & Bandera Creek
Hill Country State Natural Area
Start the new year with a guided hike through the hill country.
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 at Goose Island! (AM)
Goose Island State Park
Start your new year off on the right foot.
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 - Run/Jog
Village Creek State Park
Get your blood pumping on this 2.2-mile jog down the Village Creek Trail to the swimming area and back. Grab your running shoes and meet Ranger Tanya at the Information station at the back parking lot for this non-competitive run.
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike
Palmetto State Park
Dust off those hiking boots, and lace them tight! We are stepping into the New Year with the best foot forward.
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Birding with a Guide
Lake Whitney State Park
Join Master Naturalists for an easy 1 mile hike to discover birding tips and tricks.
Start your New Year enjoying the views of Lake Whitney State Park.
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Hike through History
Goliad State Park & Historic Site
Celebrate over 300 years of history as you take a walk through a timeline of Mission Espiritu Santo and Goliad State Park! (Self-guided option available all day)
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Swim
Balmorhea State Park
Get a start celebrating Texas State Parks' 100th Year on New Year's Day with the first swim of 2023 in the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool!
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt Hikes
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Spend the first day of 2023 exploring our trails at your own pace.
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Greenbelt Unit - 100 Year Celebration
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle Du Bois Unit
Looking to start the new year off with a hike? Join us!
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Chinquapin Trail
Huntsville State Park
Day one of a new year. Lace up your boots to kick it off on the right foot.
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike 2023!
Choke Canyon State Park - Calliham Unit
Want to kick off the new year on an outdoor adventure? We'll meet at 75 Acre Lake to view the birds and take a walk!
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
Lost Maples First Day Hike
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Start 2023 right with a First Day Hike at Lost Maples! Please note that this is a challenging hike over rough terrain that will take over three hours.
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
Morning Ramble with a Ranger - First Day Hike
Lake Brownwood State Park
Start the New Year off with a guided ranger hike!
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike 2023
Mother Neff State Park
Get a start celebrating Texas State Parks' 100th Year on New Year's Day by exploring the natural beauty of Mother Neff State Park.
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike- Coastal Prairie Edition
Galveston Island State Park
Hike through Galveston Island State Park’s endangered coastal prairie at your own pace to ring in the New Year right.
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
First Day Hike
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Start the New Year off on the right foot and join us on a guided First Day Hike through the Brazos River bottomland forests of Stephen F. Austin State Park. Experience for yourself the sights and sounds of the beautiful resources the park has to offer right near your own backyard!
Jan
1
9:00a
End Date
Jan
1
9:30a
End Date
First Day Guided Summit Hike
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Join a park ranger as we hike into the new year by hiking to the top of Enchanted Rock!
Jan
1
9:30a
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
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day Guided Mountain Bike Ride
San Angelo State Park
Join the San Angelo Bicycle Association on a guided First Day Mountain Bike Ride at Burkett Trailhead. Open to anyone who wants to ride. We will regroup periodically to make sure no one is left behind or lost.
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: Catfish Point Trail
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Enjoy the beginning of 2023 in the great outdoors!
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day Hike
Possum Kingdom State Park
Join park staff on a guided hike around the winding, scenic Lakeview Trail (1.37 miles). You can end the hike on the Lakeview Trail, take the rugged Longhorn Trail (0.36 miles) to the top of a stunning overlook, or take a self-guided hike up the steep Chaparral Ridge Trail (0.5 miles).
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
Mile-High First Day Hike
Davis Mountains State Park
Start 2023 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: Fresno West Rim
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Start the new year off right with a hike to the iconic West Rim overlook in the park's interior.
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day Hike!
Caddo Lake State Park
Celebrate 100 years of Texas State Parks! Bring in the new year with a hike at Caddo Lake State Park. The hike is self-guided and at your own pace! Once you finish, stop by the trailhead to grab your First Day Hike sticker, while supplies last!
Jan
1
10:00a
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
10:00a
End Date
First Day History Hike
Lockhart State Park
Learn about the beginning of our Park as we hike on the beginning of a New Year!
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Fairfield Lake
Fairfield Lake State Park
Celebrate the new year and a fresh start with a hike on our two-mile Nature Trail loop! The Nature Trail is an easy to moderate 2-mile loop so you will end where you begin. This hike features tall post oaks, overlooks of Fairfield Lake, and interpretive signage about local plants and wildlife. Bring your binoculars and look for Bald Eagles!
Hike starts promptly at 10 am and will last a little over an hour.
Jan
1
10:00a
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! Join us to work up a sweat and burn some calories while taking in the splendors of the Franklin Mountains State Park. We will be hiking along a scenic trail up to Mundy's Gap - a moderate/difficult hike.
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day Horse Ride to the Overlook
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Join Eagle Eye Ranch for a guided horse ride to the Overlook!
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
Self-guided Bird Walk
Old Tunnel State Park
Pick up a bird checklist and hike the 1/2-mile nature trail looking for winter birds.
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
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
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site
Join us for a walk back in time to life of early settlers in the Texas Hill Country!
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day - New Me in '23 Guided Hike
Village Creek State Park
Welcome to a new year, a new start, and a new, healthier you! Research has shown that people tend to stay with exercise plans that are fun, varied, and done with a buddy. Let’s get started! Bring a buddy and start your new fitness routine on one of our beautiful trails. Our trails are traffic free, different every day, and you can choose your pace and difficulty level.
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
Family-Friendly Stroll
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Welcome in the New Year with a pleasant stroll along the Discovery Trail
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day Guided Horseback Trail Ride
San Angelo State Park
Join the Friends of San Angelo State Park on a guided trail ride starting at Chaparral Trail.
Jan
1
10:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Mindfulness Hike
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Set your intentions for the new year on this half-mile 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
10:30a
End Date
First Day Hike
Colorado Bend State Park
It's Texas State Park's 100-Year Celebration! Start your New Year off with a fun-filled hike.
Jan
1
10:30a
End Date
First Day Scenic Overlook Hike
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Ring in the New Year with a hike to the Scenic Overlook (pet friendly).
Jan
1
11:00a
End Date
Caprock Canyons First Day Hike
Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
Hiking for mind, body, and spirit.
Jan
1
11:00a
End Date
First Day Hike - Cardiac Hill
Franklin Mountains State Park
Let's start the New Year’s resolutions off on the right hiking foot! Join us to work up a sweat and burn some calories while taking in the splendors of the Franklin Mountains State Park. We will be hiking along a scenic trail up Cardiac Hill - a moderate/difficult hike.
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
12:00p
End Date
First Day Hike: Catfish Point Trail
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Enjoy the beginning of 2023 in the great outdoors!
Jan
1
12:00p
End Date
First Day Hike - Hills & Creek Bottom
Hill Country State Natural Area
Start the new year with a guided hike through the hill country.
Jan
1
12:00p
End Date
First Day Kayaking *Registration Required*
Eisenhower State Park
Celebrate New Year's Day with a guided kayaking adventure!
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
First Day Hike!
Atlanta State Park
Start 2023 with a peaceful First-Day Hike and enjoy the natural beauty of Atlanta State Park’s Hickory Hollow Nature Trail.
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
First Day Hike - 100 Year Celebration
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle Du Bois Unit
Start the year off right with a hike and celebrate with us!
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
Join people all across the nation as we hike in the New Year and the beginning of the Texas State Park 100-year celebration with a guided First Day Hike at Devils River SNA-Del Norte.
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
First Day Hike - Scavenger Hunt
Lake Whitney State Park
Join us at the Two Bridges Trail anytime between 1 and 3 pm. to start your scavenger hunt.
Enjoy an easy one-mile trail as you search high and low for three hidden posters that celebrate the New Year!
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
First Day Hike
Strawn, TX - Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Join us on a moderate, two mile guided hike for a exclusive look at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park!
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
First Day Hike - What a View!!
Government Canyon State Natural Area
...and we're not "bluffing!" (Well, technically there IS a bluff involved...)
Jan
1
1:00p
End Date
First Day - Paddle Trip
Village Creek State Park
Come celebrate the start of a new year with a paddle trip on New Year's Day! Join rangers Alex and Larissa for a guided paddle trip to explore the natural wonder of Village Creek and discover the unrivaled biodiversity that the park has to offer. All skill levels are welcome, bring your own craft or borrow one of ours while supplies last. *Registration is required*
Jan
1
1:30p
End Date
First Day Hike at Goose Island! (PM)
Goose Island State Park
Start your new year off on the right foot.
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: Longhorn Trail
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Enjoy the beginning of 2023 in the great outdoors!
Jan
1
2:00p
End Date
First Day Hike - 2 @ 2
Huntsville State Park
Big New Year's resolutions sometimes need to start small. Take the first steps to a new year doing 2 miles at 2 pm.
Jan
1
2:00p
End Date
First Day Plant Hike
Lockhart State Park
Explore the stories of our local plants in this fun winter hike!
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 - 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
Jan
1
2:00p
End Date
Jan
1
2:00p
End Date
First Day Guided Bark Ranger Hike
San Angelo State Park
Come out for a guided hike through a portion of the Chaparral Trail and the Red Dam Loop Trail to start the year off outside! Dogs are encouraged and welcome to come along. All pets must always be on a leash no longer than 6 ft.
Jan
1
2:30p
End Date
First Day Plant Hike
Palmetto State Park
Explore the park to discover the plants of the winter season!
Jan
1
3:00p
End Date
Jan
1
3:00p
End Date
First Day Hike - 3 @ 3
Huntsville State Park
Ok, party people. Now that you had your chance to sleep in, get your boots laced up for our New Years hike of 3 miles at 3 pm.
Jan
1
3:00p
End Date
First Day Hike - Bar-O & History
Hill Country State Natural Area
Start the new year with a guided hike through the hill country.
Jan
1
5:00p
End Date
First Day Hike - Sunset Hike
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Join us on a hike for the first sunset of 2023!
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
5:15p
End Date
First Day Hike - Merrick Mile Sunset
Hill Country State Natural Area
Start the new year with a guided hike through the hill country.
Jan
1
5:30p
End Date