If you’re looking for something fun to do to celebrate the start of a new year, why not go for a hike in a local state park! It might not sound like the most obvious concept, especially given the cold weather in many parts of the country, but First Day Hikes for all ages will take around the entire country on January 1st, 2025.
In Maine, for example, four state parks will host guided hikes, and five other parks have self-guided hike options. In Colorado, over 20 state parks are participating in the day. The hikes themselves are free in Colorado, though visitors must have valid state park passes.
In Oregon, 37 hikes in 30 parks across the state will take place on January 1, with all day-use parking fees waived at parks that usually charge fees. Illinois will have First Day Hikes in 15 state parks. Last year, nearly 55,000 people celebrated the new year with First Day Hikes, collectively hiking 133,000 miles throughout the entire country.
More than 1,000 hikes are available in state parks around the county, varying in distance and difficulty but all designed to encourage fun family experiences. You can find a state park participating, and learn about each hike, here.