We’re excited to welcome the new year, and what better way to celebrate than with a walk in the woods?
For many, a new year is a chance to reconnect with nature and commit to spending more time outdoors in the months ahead.
Whether you’re a seasoned park veteran or just finding us for the first time, there’s no better way to kick off a new year than with a First Day Hike!
Organized in state parks across the country, thousands of people participate in First Day Hikes every January 1. Varying from short strolls to longer treks, these hikes offer a variety of ways for people to get outdoors and start the new year on the right foot!
Some state parks offer ranger-guided hikes. Of course, you don’t need a guide to explore our state parks! Anyone can participate in their own First Day Hike, whether on your own or with family and friends. There are 175 state parks across Florida, each with their own stories to tell. Sometimes the best way to see a park is simply to print out a map or get one from the ranger station.
Find an Event Near You
Northwest Florida and the Panhandle
- First Day Hike, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Tallahassee.
- First Day Hike with Nature Open Studio, Blackwater Heritage State Trail, Milton.
- First Day Hike, Blackwater River State Park, Holt.
- First Day Hike, Camp Helen State Park, Panama City Beach.
- First Day Hike, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville.
- First Day Hike, St. Andrews State Park, Panama City.
- First Day Hike, Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park, Pensacola.
- First Day Hike, T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Port St. Joe.
- First Sunset on the Beach, William J “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area, Port St. Joe.
North Central Florida
- First Day Equestrian Trail Ride, Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve, Cedar Key.
- First Day Hike, Crystal River Preserve State Park, Crystal River.
- First Day Hike, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa.
- First Day Hike, Fanning Springs State Park, Fanning Springs.
- First Day Hike, Fort Cooper State Park, Inverness.
- First Day Hike, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park.
- First Day Hike, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy.
- First Day Hike, Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, High Springs.
- First Day Hike, Suwannee River State Park, Live Oak.
Central Florida
- Annual First Day Beach Clean-Up, Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine.
- First Day Hike, Blue Spring State Park, Orange City.
- DeLeon Dunk Pool Plunge, De Leon Springs State Park, De Leon Springs.
- First Day Hike, DeLeon Springs State Park, DeLeon Springs.
- First Day Hike, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach, Flagler Beach.
- First Day Hike, Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Wales.
- First Day Hike, Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka.
- Track Trek with a Ranger, Silver Springs State Park, Ocala.
- First Day Hike, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere.
Southwest Florida
- First Day Hike, Alafia River State Park, Lithia.
- First Day Hike, Collier-Seminole State Park, Naples.
- First Day Hike, Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Bushnell.
- First Day Hikes, Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring.
- First Day Hike, Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin.
- First Day Hike, Myakka River State Park, Sarasota.
- First Day Hike and Scavenger Hunt, Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey.
- First Day Hike, Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, Port Richey.
South Florida
- First Day Hike, Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key.
- First Days Hike, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Hollywood.
- First Day Hike, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West.
- First Day Hike, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, North Palm Beach.
- First Day Hike, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo.
Hiking Safety
Hiking is fun and a healthy way to exercise. Here are few tips:
- Stay on the trail. Wandering off the trail can cause you to become injured or lost.
- Be courteous and observe trail etiquette. Communicate with others as you pass.
- Bring supplies. You’ll need drinking water, insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes to help prevent injury.
- Never feed or touch wildlife. If you encounter wildlife on the trail, keep your distance and back away slowly.
Hiking not your thing?
There are many other ways to experience our state parks this new year. Biking is a great way to stay active and see the trails - both dirt and paved - that wind through our parks. Some trails allow for horseback riding or bringing a leashed dog to explore with you.
Getting out on the water is always popular, too! State parks offer rivers, lakes and bays that are perfect for paddling. Be sure to grab your fishing rod, as we offer both freshwater and saltwater fishing for anglers of all types.
We hope to see you in a Florida State Park this new year. There’s no better way to experience… the Real Florida ℠.
