Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites will host more than 70 guided hikes on New Year’s Day as part of the national First Day Hikes program. The hikes vary from easy kid-friendly strolls to more challenging treks and are a great way to get outside and celebrate the beginning of the new year.
First Day Hikes participants will receive a special sticker after completing one of the many hikes offered throughout the state. All 50 states will offer First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day to get people outdoors exploring. The nationwide program began more than three decades ago and now includes all 50 states.
Georgia’s State Parks offer a variety of hikes, including a sunrise hike over the Okefenokee Swamp at Stephen C. Foster State Park, exploring a pitcher plant bog at Jack Hill State Park, firing a musket at Fort Morris Historic Site, and a birding hike at Crooked River State Park.
Two accessible hikes will be offered at Sweetwater Creek State Park and Tallulah Gorge State Park, where all-terrain wheelchairs will be available to borrow for free (reservations must be made by December 27). Several other state parks will offer hikes on easy, accessible trails, including Panola Mountain, Florence Marina, Seminole, and Richard B. Russell.
Georgia State Parks offer cabins, heated yurts, and campsites if you’re looking for a quiet New Year’s Eve. State parks are always fireworks- and sparkler-free, making them a dog-friendly, peaceful holiday option.
See the list of First Day Hikes and details at GaStateParks.org. Call 1-800-864-7275 or visit GaStateParks.org to reserve cabins and campsites.
