Bring in the new year outdoors at a First Day Hike

ALBANY ‒ Those who are looking for a way to put an outdoor spin on the New Year might want to look at a variety of options offered by Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites.

This year, the state’s parks will once again partner with America’s State Parks as, across the country, outdoors enthusiasts will welcome 2025 in with an inspirational “First Day Hike” on New Year’s Day. Georgia’s State Park and Historic Site Rangers are offering more than 70 guided adventures at which participants can connect with friends, family and the great outdoors. Visitors can choose from a variety of distances and difficulties, from kid-friendly strolls to heart-pumping treks and wheelchair accessible trails. Participants will go home with a First Day Hikes sticker to commemorate their accomplishment as part of this nationwide movement.

First Day Hikes is a national initiative from America’s State Parks that encourages people to get outside and explore nature. It began more than three decades ago, and all 50 states have participated. Some of the First Day Hikes in Georgia include watching sunrise over the Okefenokee Swamp at Stephen C. Foster State Park, exploring a pitcher plant bog at Jack Hill State Park, a musket firing at Fort Morris Historic Site, and birding at Crooked River State Park.

This year, Georgia State Parks will host two accessible hikes during which mobility-impaired visitors can borrow all-terrain wheelchairs free of charge. Advanced reservations are required by Dec. 27 for these two programs. The first is at Sweetwater Creek State Park west of Atlanta, and the second is at Tallulah Gorge State Park in northeast Georgia. Participants also may bring their own all-terrain wheelchairs. Other Georgia state parks also have planned First Day Hikes on easy, accessible trails, including Panola Mountain, Florence Marina, Seminole and Richard B. Russell.

For park guests who want to celebrate a quiet New Year’s Eve surrounded by fresh air, Georgia’s State Parks offer cozy cabins, heated yurts and modern campsites. Fireworks and sparklers are not allowed in state parks, making them a peaceful choice for the holiday – especially for those with dogs. For reservations, call 1-800-864-7275 or visit GaStateParks.org.

The start times and start locations for all hikes vary. Hikers with mobility impairments can sign up to use free all-terrain wheelchairs by registering for availability, as slots for these hikes are limited. More information specific to these Ranger-led hikes can be found by calling (770) 389-7286 or by going online to GaStateParks.org or https://gastateparks.org/FirstDayHikes.

Special Photo: Georgia State ParksSpecial Photo: Georgia State Parks