Event · Parks & Public Lands
First Day Hikes
Every January 1, state park systems across the country throw open their gates for First Day Hikes, free guided walks designed to start the new year on the trail. It has become one of the most reliable family outdoor traditions in America, welcoming first-timers and seasoned hikers alike.
This page from Outside, the family adventure app, covers First Day Hikes, an annual January 1 tradition in which state park systems across all 50 states offer free or low-cost guided hikes to mark the new year. The page explains what the program is, how families can find and join a hike, what to expect on the trail, and how to build a full weekend adventure around the event. Key facts include the nationwide scope of the program, its family-friendly format, and practical planning advice for parents with children ages 4 to 14.
| Cost | Free to low-cost with park admission |
|---|---|
| Region | All 50 states |
| Season | Winter (January 1) |
| Best ages | 4 and up |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate; hike options vary by park |
What First Day Hikes are
First Day Hikes started as a single-state idea in Massachusetts in the early 1990s and grew into a nationwide tradition coordinated by America's State Parks. Now every state park system in the country participates, hosting guided walks on the morning of January 1. The hikes are typically free with regular park admission, led by park rangers or trained naturalists, and designed to be welcoming rather than challenging. The point is simple: get outside on the first day of the year, breathe cold air, look at something beautiful, and start a habit worth keeping. Tens of thousands of families take part every year.
What families can expect on the trail
Most First Day Hikes run between one and four miles and stay on well-maintained trails. Rangers lead the group, point out winter wildlife signs, talk about the park's history, and keep the pace comfortable for mixed-age groups. That makes these walks genuinely good for kids who are still building trail legs, not just experienced hikers looking for a workout. Expect a relaxed, conversational atmosphere. Some parks hand out certificates or buttons to mark the occasion. A few larger parks offer multiple hike options at different lengths and difficulty levels, so check the specific listing and pick the one that fits your youngest hiker.
How to find your hike
The easiest starting point is the America's State Parks website, which publishes a searchable map of First Day Hike events each year as December gets underway. Your state parks agency will also list events on its own website and social channels. Search by state, then look for hikes near you or near a park you have been wanting to visit. Registration is required at many parks, and popular hikes fill up before January 1, so look up listings in mid-December rather than the week of. Phone the park directly if the website is not clear about registration, trail length, or what is included.
Gearing up for a January morning outside
Cold-weather hiking with kids comes down to layering. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer for everyone, and top it with a wind-resistant shell. Wool or synthetic socks matter more than most parents expect. Pack extra gloves in the bottom of your bag because small hands lose gloves without warning. Bring water even when it is cold, since kids still need it, and pack a simple snack for the trail. Traction devices like microspikes are worth having in northern states where ice is likely on January 1. Most of this gear lives in your closet already.
Building a weekend around it
First Day Hikes land on a federal holiday, which means most families have at least January 1 free and often a long weekend to work with. Use that window. Book a cabin or nearby inn for New Year's Eve night so the family is already close to the park when morning comes. After the hike, explore the visitor center, eat lunch in a small town near the park, or find a second trail to walk on your own. Some state parks sit near national forests or other public lands that give you more ground to cover on January 2. Treating it as a two-day trip makes the tradition feel like an event worth anticipating.
Making it a family tradition
The families who get the most out of First Day Hikes are the ones who come back every year. Consider keeping a simple log: the park name, the date, who was there, one thing each kid noticed on the trail. Photographs from the same park taken a year apart show children how much they have grown, and the landscape how much it changes between winters. Some families rotate parks each year, working through their state system one January at a time. Others return to the same spot on purpose, building a relationship with one piece of land. Either way, the tradition does its work quietly, making outside the natural place to begin a new year.
Write down one thing each person in your family noticed on the trail today that they had never seen or thought about before. Keep the page and read it again next January 1.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register in advance for a First Day Hike?
Many parks require registration, and popular hikes can fill before January 1. Check your state parks website or call the specific park in mid-December to find out whether spots are limited and how to sign up.
Are First Day Hikes really free?
The guided hike itself is typically free, though some parks charge their standard vehicle or entry fee to get into the park. A handful of states waive park entry fees entirely on January 1. Check your specific park listing for the details.
What if my kids are very young or not strong hikers yet?
First Day Hikes are specifically designed for all experience levels, including beginners and young children. Rangers keep the pace relaxed and trails are usually well-maintained and not technical. Look for the shortest distance option at your park, and bring a carrier for toddlers who might need a ride partway through.
How do I find First Day Hike events near me?
Start at the America's State Parks website, which publishes a national map of events each December. Your individual state parks agency website is also a reliable source. Searching the park name plus First Day Hike will usually surface the event listing directly.