First Day Hike Scavenger Hunt at Dismal Swamp State Park

Dismal Swamp State Park 2294 US 17 N, South Mills, North Carolina, United States

For First Day Hike 2025, Dismal Swamp is offering a self-guided scavenger hunt! Stop by the visitor center to pick up the scavenger hunt sheet, follow the directions, and explore. After you complete the sheet, you can receive a sticker. The visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. First Day Hikes logo […]

First Day Hike at Hammocks Beach State Park

Hammocks Beach State Park 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, NC, US

Maritime Eco-Hike Join a park ranger on the first day of 2025 for an adventure-packed maritime eco-hike following our nature trails through the woods! Deer, eagles, a scampering wild turkey– you never know what you’re going to see! A great way to spend the first day of the new year! Meet at the trailhead near […]

First Day Hike at Stone Mountain State Park

stone mountain state park Backpack Parking trailhead N36.39460, W81.06890, US

Join a Ranger for your first hike of 2025 at the Lower Trail Head at 9:00 AM. The hike will start on the Wolf Rock Trail and connect into the Cedar Rock Trail for a total of 2.5 miles. These trails are rated as moderate. Please come dressed for the weather and bring plenty of […]

First Day Hike at Raven Rock State Park

Raven Rock State Park 3009 Raven Rock Road, Lillington, NC, United States

Join a Park Ranger on this one-hour hike to discover some of the natural wonders of this piedmont landmark to celebrate First Day Hikes. Hike is 0.5 miles long and is easy. Wed, Jan 1 2025, 9 - 10am Raven Rock State Park 3009 Raven Rock Road Lillington, NC 27546

First Day Hike: Boyd Tract

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, NC, United States

Start the year off right by getting outside for a First Day Hike! For this hike at the Boyd Tract, we will hike an easy 1 mile through old growth longleaf pine forest. You'll meet the oldest known living longleaf pine tree in the world, as well as the former state champion longleaf! Come dressed […]

First Day Hike at Pilot Mountain State Park

Pilot Mountain State Park - Bean Shoals Access 622 Hauser Road, Pinnacle, NC, United States

Come out to Pilot Mountain's Bean Shoals access on January 1, 2025 for a guided first day hike on the Horne Creek trail! This trail is located at the Bean Shoals access, the park's property on the north side of the Yadkin River. In addition to the 3-mile hike, participants will get to see the […]

First Day Hikes at Fort Macon State Park

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Rd., NC, US

First Day Hikes – 9 a.m. (one short and one long) Start off the new year with a hike in your favorite state park. Fort Macon State Park will be offering four ranger-led hikes this year, two at 9 a.m. and two at 2 p.m. The shorter hike at 9 a.m. will offer a short […]

First Day Hike: To Hanging Rock!

Hanging Rock State Park 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, NC, US

Bring your thermos, a warm snack, and a journal as we celebrate the New Year by getting outside and experiencing nature with this guided hike up to Hanging Rock. At the top there will be a journaling experience for you be intentional about what goals you have for the coming year. Dress warm with appropriate […]

First Day Hike at Mayo River State Park

Mayo River State Park - Mayo Mountain Access 500 Old Mayo Park Road, North Carolina, US

Join us for a guided 1.8-mile hike along the fox trail. A ranger will navigate, while sharing inspired insight as we start the new year off with a stroll through the woods. We will meet at the Picnic Shelter located at the Mayo Mountain Access.  We will have a fire, ready for you to warm […]

Jordan Lake First Day Hike

Ebenezer Church Recreation Area 2582 Beaver Creek Rd, Apex, NC, United States

Come join a park Ranger on a scavenger hunt at Ebenezer Church Recreation Area to kick off the New Year!  The hike consists of locating various park animal silhouettes throughout the trail. Learn about animals of Jordan Lake and their special adaptations. Wed, Jan 1 2025, 9 - 11am Ebenezer Church Recreation Area 2582 Beaver Creek Rd Apex, […]

First Day Hike Scavenger Hunt

Boone Fork Parking Area Linville, NC, United States

Meet a ranger at the Boone Fork Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile marker 299.9) to grab a scavenger hunt to complete on Nuwati Trail for your First Day Hike! The hike is approximately 2.4 miles round trip, so make sure to dress warmly, wear appropriate footwear, and bring snacks and water for […]

First Day Hike – Upper Bearwallow Falls

Gorges State Park - Grassy Ridge Access 976 Grassy Ridge Road, NC, US

Join Park Staff for a 2025  First Day Hike to the Upper Bearwallow Falls Overlook. Please be prepared for a moderate, 30 minute hike, with proper footwear and water. We will be meeting at the Upper Bearwallow Picnic Shelter. Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10 - 10:30am Gorges State Park – Grassy Ridge Access 976 Grassy Ridge Road […]