State Parks Host First Day Hikes on Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Put on your best outdoor footwear, round up family and friends, and start the new year outside in one of North Carolina’s state parks, state recreation areas, or state natural areas. With approximately fifty events planned, and 237,000 acres from which to choose, there’s an option for people of all ages.
All state parks will be open on the holiday. Guided tours are available.
Each state park and recreation area brings something unique to First Day Hikes. Learn about beavers on a hike at Lake Norman, meet the world’s oldest longleaf pine at Weymouth Woods, or hike along the Pamlico River and watch wintering waterfowl at Goose Creek. Follow up a strenuous hike at rugged Gorges State Park with hot chocolate and cookies, or take a 5.2 mile hike to Chestnut Knob at South Mountains.
Said Dwayne Patterson, state parks director:
“For decades, First Day Hikes have served our citizens and out-of-state guests with a great start to the year. After some lazy days with our families, our parks offer a chance to put our electronics down, get moving, get some fresh air, and set good intentions for the year — all while in the most beautiful places in our state.”
State park visitors involved with the North Carolina State Parks 100-Mile Challenge — to walk, hike, paddle, cycle, or otherwise explore 100 miles in the state parks — can add First Day Hikes mileage to their totals. First Day Hikes are also a great time to get started on your own New Year’s resolutions with the 100-mile challenge or Passport challenge.
A complete list of First Day Hikes in North Carolina can be found at www.ncparks.gov/first-day-hikes.
Source: NC State Parks
