First Day Hikes at Fort Macon State Park
2025-01-01 09:00 - 10:30 UTC | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Rd., NC, 28512, 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 nature and bird hike on the Yarrow’s Loop Trail and the inlet beach, covering 0.75 mile.
The longer hike at 9 a.m. will also be a nature and bird hike, but on the 3.2-mile Elliot Coues Trail.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle and bug spray.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 9 – 10:30am
Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC 28512

First Day Hike: To Hanging Rock!
2025-01-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, NC, 27016, 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 footing and accessories as cooler temps are expected. Hiking sticks/poles are always a good suggestion. Registration is required. To register and for more information, please email andra.dalton@ncparks.gov

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 9 – 11am
Hanging Rock Trail 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road Westfield, NC 27016

First Day Hike at Mayo River State Park
2025-01-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Mayo River State Park – Mayo Mountain Access, 500 Old Mayo Park Road, North Carolina, 27027, 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 your hands before and after the hike. We will provide hot chocolate, while supplies last. Let us know that you are coming by emailing us at mayo.river@ncparks.gov. We look forward to seeing you!

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 9 – 11am
Mayo River State Park – Mayo Mountain Access 500 Old Mayo Park Rd. Mayodan, NC 27027

Jordan Lake First Day Hike
2025-01-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Ebenezer Church Recreation Area, 2582 Beaver Creek Rd, Apex, NC, 27523, 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, NC 27523

First Day Hike Scavenger Hunt
2025-01-01 09:30 - 12:00 | Boone Fork Parking Area, Linville, NC, 28604, 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 your self-guided scavenger hunt hike. A ranger will be at the Boone Fork Parking Area from 9:30am-12:00pm to hand you a scavenger hunt.
Boone Fork Parking Area GPS: 36.120076, -81.781358 Linville, NC 28604

First Day Hike – Upper Bearwallow Falls
2025-01-01 10:00 - 10:30 | Gorges State Park – Grassy Ridge Access, 976 Grassy Ridge Road, NC, 28774, 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 Sapphire, NC 28774

First Day Dune Hike
2025-01-01 10:00 - 10:45 | Jockey’s Ridge State Park, 300 W Carolista Dr., NC, 27959, US
Kick the year off right by joining Ranger Austin for a fun and informative hike to the ridge. We will discuss all things Jockey’s Ridge. Let us embrace 2025 by setting the pace for a year filled with adventure and physical activity. All are welcome. Bring your family and friends.

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10 – 10:45am

First Day Hike at Lake Norman State Park
2025-01-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Lake Norman State Park, 759 State Park Drive, NC, 28166, US
What a better way to ring in the New Year than by taking a hike with a Ranger? Meet at the swim beach parking lot for a 1 to 1.5-mile hike. Participants will get a First Day Hike sticker following the hike! No registration needed. Bring water and dress for the weather. Closed-toed shoes are recommended.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10 – 11am
Lake Norman State Park- Swim Beach 1412 State Park Rd. Troutman, NC 28166

First Day Hike at Jones Lake State Park
2025-01-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Jones Lake State Park, 4177 NC 242, NC, 28337, US
Start 2025 with a guided hike around a Carolina bay lake. Learn about the flora and fauna of this unique environment while we hike an easy 1 mile.
Meet at the visitor center.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10 – 11am
Jones Lake State Park – Visitor Center 4117 NC Highway 242 N. Elizabethtown, NC 28337

First Day Hike: Animal Superpowers In Winter
2025-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Haw River State Park – Iron Ore Belt Access, 6068 N. Church Street, NC, 27455, US
Join us at the Iron Ore Belt Access of Haw River State Park for a leisurely walk with a North Carolina State Parks Education Specialist as part of the First Day Hike initiative. Learn all about animal winter adaptations on this route, approximately 2 miles in length along even, natural terrain. Please dress for the weather (in layers), wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring bottled water/snacks as needed.

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10am – 12pm
Haw River State Park – Iron Ore Belt Access 6068 N. Church St. Greensboro, NC 27455

First Day Hike at Morrow Mountain State Park
2025-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Morrow Mountain State Park, 49104 Morrow Mountain Rd, North Carolina, 28001, US
Come out to Morrow Mountain State Park on New Year’s Day to get your wellness goals started off on the right foot.
Join a park ranger for a guided hike on the 3.3-mile moderate to strenuous Sugarloaf Mountain trail. Sugarloaf’s 850-foot summit is a fitting destination with expansive views stretching across the Uwharrie Mountains, Lake Tillery, and beyond.
Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather including sturdy hiking shoes and bring water to drink. The trailhead is located at the Bridle trail parking area, which is the second driveway on the right after entering the state park gate.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10am – 12pm
Morrow Mountain State Park 49104 Morrow Mountain Road Albemarle, NC 28001

First Day Hike at Carolina Beach State Park
2025-01-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road, North Carolina, 28428, US
Join a Park Ranger to hike the Sugarloaf Trail at the Marina for a two mile round trip hike to Sugarloaf Dune. Lace up your shoes, bring water and start your new year off right. Hike will begin at 10:00am. Start with the group and stay with the group or find your own path!

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 10am – 12pm
Carolina Beach State Park 1020 State Park Road Carolina Beach, NC 28428

First Day Hike A Dash More 2025
2025-01-01 10:00 - 12:00
Join us for a a first day hike on the Fuquay-Varina Park Depot Greenway. We will hike from the trailhead parking area on NC55 to South Lake and return, and pickup any trash we might come along. Bagels and Hot Chocolate while it lasts!

First Day Hike and Polar Plunge
2025-01-01 10:30 - 12:30
EVTA will host a First Day Hike from Elkin Recreation Center, 399 NC 268 W, Elkin, NC 28621 to Crater Park, 310 Standard Street, at 10:30 am for an inaugural “ Polar Plunge” in the Yadkin River taking place at 11:30 at Crater Park. Hikers are welcome to take the plunge or to cheer on the brave participants or non-hiking participants can meet at Crater Park at 11:15 for the safety talk from Elkin Rescue Squad before taking the plunge. Hot chocolate and coffee will await the brave participants and spectators! Hope to see you there.

First Day Hike (Salmon Creek State Natural Area)
2025-01-01 11:00 - 12:30 | Bertie Beach, 243 Bal Gra Road, Merry Hill, NC, 27957, United States
Join park ranger Katie Sanford for a leisurely, approximately 2-mile hike at Bertie Beach. This county-owned property adjoins Salmon Creek State Natural Area in Merry Hill, NC. Learn about local plants and wildlife, as well as some of the history of the area. Dress for the weather, and wear your walking shoes!
This hike is planned in partnership with Bertie County Parks and Recreation.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 11am – 12:30pm
Bertie Beach 243 Bal Gra Road Merry Hill, NC 27957

First Day Trek Together (Stroll & Roll)
2025-01-01 11:00 - 12:30
Burlington Recreation and Parks hosts Trek Together hikes – perfect for families with kids of all ages. These child-paced hikes encourage exploration and fun on the trail and no one gets left behind!
Our First Day Trek Together is a stroll & roll through Burlington City Park. Meet your guide and the group in front of the Carousel House. The trek will follow sidewalks, and paved and gravel paths around the park and are wheel-friendly (stroller, wagon, etc). Expect 1-1.5 hours on your feet and 1-2 miles of walking. After the walk, feel free to explore the inclusive playground on your own.
Preregistration is required at www.BurlingtonNC.gov/Outdoors#TT! Registered participants will get an email a day before Trek with additional information and reminders.

First Day Hike: Weymouth Tract
2025-01-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, NC, 28388, United States
Start the year off right by getting outside for a First Day Hike! For this hike at the Weymouth Tract, we will hike an easy 2 miles to see the different habitats within the longleaf pine forest.
Come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Meet at the visitor center.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 1 – 2pm
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve – Visitor Center1024 Fort Bragg RoadSouthern PinesNC 28387

First Day Hike at Lake James State Park
2025-01-01 13:00 - 14:30 | Catawba River Office Breezeway, 2785 NC Hwy 126, Nebo, NC, 28761, United States
Put your best foot forward in 2025! Join Ranger Hughes for a nature walk along the Fox Den Loop Trail for Lake James State Park’s first guided hike of the year. We’ll also have free hot chocolate as a treat after the hike!

Meet in the Catawba River Area (McDowell County side) office breezeway at the day-use parking lot. This hike is 2.25 miles long and considered moderate.

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 1 – 2:30pm
Catawba River Office Breezeway 2785 NC Hwy 126 Nebo, NC 28761

First Day Hike: Point Lookout Trail
2025-01-01 13:00 - 15:00
Join McDowell Trails Association on a 5-mile round trip hike to Point Lookout. The trail is paved and features a great view from Point Lookout. This hike is through an areas that was affected by Hurricane Helene. Wear comfortable shoes, layers for the weather, water and an optional snack.

First Day Hike: To The Tower!
2025-01-01 13:00 - 16:00 | Moore’s Wall Trail, 1280 Campground Rd., Danbury, NC, 27016, United States
Join Ranger Fields on this moderate to challenging hike to the old fire tower on top of the mountain. This is the highest point of the park, and quite possibly the “best view” of the surrounding area that Hanging Rock State Park provides. Please dress for the weather, and anticipating shedding layers as the hike continues. Bring water/snacks and hiking sticks are recommended. You must sign up for this program by emailing jacob.fields@ncparks.gov

Wed, Jan 1 2025, 1 – 4pm
Moore’s Wall Trail 1280 Campground Rd. Danbury, NC 27016

MTA First Day Hike - Point Lookout Trail in Old Fort
2025-01-01 13:00 - 16:00
Join the MTA on a 5-mile hike to Point Lookout on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

The Old Fort Trailhead is located at the end of Old Highway 70 about 3 miles west of Old Fort.Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QwLRy8EpVDm6k6Fa9

Old Fort and surrounding areas are recovering from Hurricane Helene. The Point Lookout Trail is open, but you will see areas that were affected by the storm. Hikers are expected to stay on the paved trail.

We hope you will join us for this First Day Hike.

Questions, contact the MTA at mtatrails@gmail.com

First Day Outdoors at Haw River State Park - Great Blue Heron Loop Trail
2025-01-01 13:00 - 17:00
Kick Off 2025 in the Great Outdoors!
Join Dr. Ken Bridle from Piedmont Land Conservancy on January 1st, 2025, for an inspiring hike along the Great Blue Heron Loop Trail at Haw River State Park, just north of Greensboro.
This 3.75-mile trek is perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature in the new year. The trail winds through serene woodlands, offering smooth, natural surfaces and gentle climbs. Along the way, Dr. Bridle will share his deep knowledge of the natural world, highlighting unique features and points of interest.
We’ll begin at the Iron Ore Belt Access located at 6068 N Church Street, Greensboro, NC 27455, and follow the scenic loop. The hike is expected to take around 4 hours, giving plenty of time to explore, ask questions, and soak in the surroundings.
This free event is open to everyone, but space is limited to 20 participants—reserve your spot early to ensure you don’t miss out!
Step into the new year with curiosity, learning, and a deeper connection to nature. We hope to see you on the trail!

First Day Hike – Raymond Fisher Pond
2025-01-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Gorges State Park – Grassy Ridge Access, 976 Grassy Ridge Road, NC, 28774, US
Join Park Staff for a 2025 First Day Hike down the Raymond Fisher Pond Trail.
Please be prepared for a moderate, 60 minute hike, with proper footwear and water. We will be meeting at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead area.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 2 – 3pm
Gorges State Park – Grassy Ridge Access976 Grassy Ridge RoadSapphireNC 28774

Fort Fisher First Day Walk
2025-01-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, 1000 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC, 28449, United States
Start 2025 outside and active. Join us for a hike on the Basin Trail at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Meet at 2pm at the Flag Pole beside the trail head and we will walk the 2.2 mile trail. Stay with the group or go at your own pace.
Trail covers various terrain including very soft sand and possible mud.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 2 – 3pm
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area 1000 Loggerhead Road Kure Beach, NC 28449

First Day Hike at Rendezvous Mountain State Park
2025-01-01 14:00 - 15:00 | Rendezvous Mountain State Park, 1956 Rendezvous Mountain Rd, Purlear, NC, 28665, United States
On January 1st 2025 at 2pm, you can meet at the park office, (two story cabin building) for a Ranger led one mile stroll through the mountains mixed hardwood forest. This Ranger led program will last approximately one hour while we stop and discuss Rendezvous Mountain’s history.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 2 – 3pm
Rendezvous Mountain State Park 1956 Rendezvous Mountain Rd Purlear, NC 28665

First Day Hikes at Fort Macon State Park
2025-01-01 14:00 - 15:30 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Rd., NC, 28512, US
First Day Hikes – 2 p.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 2 p.m. will offer a short nature and bird hike on the Yarrow’s Loop Trail and the inlet beach, covering 0.75 mile.
The longer hike at 3 p.m. will also be a nature and bird hike, but on the 3.2-mile Elliot Coues Trail.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle and bug spray.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 2 – 3:30pm
Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road Atlantic Beach, NC 28512

First Day Outdoors at the Stuart & Emma Thomas Memorial Trail
2025-01-01 14:00 - 16:00
Start the New Year with Nature!
Join Palmer McIntyre from Piedmont Land Conservancy on January 1st, 2025, for a refreshing start to the year with a guided hike on the beautiful Stuart & Emma Thomas Memorial Trail in Winston-Salem.
This easy-to-moderate 1.75-mile hike offers a chance to enjoy the serenity of the outdoors on mostly smooth, natural-surface trails with gradual climbs.
We’ll meet at the Dr. CB Hauser Trailhead near Paisley at 949 Gillete Street, Winston-Salem, and hike the trail and one of the scenic trail loops. The hike will take approximately 2 hours, providing plenty of time to pause, reflect, and enjoy the surroundings.
This event is free and open to the public, but spaces are limited to 20 participants, so be sure to sign up early to secure your spot!
Start the year off exploring nature with us!

First Day Hikes at Eno River
2025-01-01 14:00 - 16:30 | Eno River State Park – Fews Ford Access Picnic Shelter, 6101 Cole Mill Road, Durham, NC, 27705, United States
Start the New Year on the right foot with guided hikes along the Eno River! Join staff from Eno River State Park and the Eno River Association for either a two or four mile hike. Stay after for hot cocoa in the picnic shelter!
Both hikes will start from the picnic shelter in the Fews Ford Access parking loop.
Please arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for parking and walking to the picnic shelter. When you arrive, please follow any parking directions given by park staff or volunteers.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 2 – 4:30pm
Eno River State Park – Fews Ford Access Picnic Shelter 6101 Cole Mill Road Durham, NC 27705

First Day Hike: Paint Hill Tract
2025-01-01 15:00 - 16:00 | Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, NC, 28388, United States
Start the year off right by getting outside for a First Day Hike! For this hike at one of Weymouth Woods’ satellite properties, Paint Hill Tract, we will hike an easy 1.5 mile. This property has more elevation change than much of the Sandhills, as well as a rare plant called the Sandhills pixiemoss (Pyxidanthera brevifolia, also spelled as Pyxie-moss or called littleaf pixiemoss) that blooms in winter.
Come dressed for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Meet at the parking area at the Stoneyfield Drive access.
Wed, Jan 1 2025, 3 – 4pm
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve – Paint Hill TractStoneyfield DriveSouthern PinesNC 28387

Hike to Wolf Rock
2025-01-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, NC, 27016, US
Join a park ranger on a hike to Wolf Rock. On this 2-mile hike we will meander through a mixture of oaks and pines, climb out on an outcropping of quartzite, and listen for the sounds of nature. Bring water and wear weather appropriate clothing. We will start and end our hike at Shelter 4 in the lake parking lot. Please email jackson.perry@ncparks.gov to register for the hike.
Thu, Jan 16 2025, 11am – 1pm
Shelter 42792 Hanging Rock Park RoadDanburyNC 27016
