Ring in the new year in the Virginia outdoors Thursday with the First Day Hike.
For the fourth year, Virginia State Parks are participating in a national initiative to get residents out of their homes and into the parks. York River State Park will be one of the 36 parks in the commonwealth to offer special events this New Year’s Day for First Hike Virginia.
Guests should meet at 11 a.m. at the amphitheater behind the Visitor’s center for a hike to the Pamunkey Overlook. At the bottom of a steep bluff on the York River, it offers a view over the water to Werowocomoco.
The hike will go for more than 4 miles, and attendees going over the Backbone and Pamunkey Trails will have the chance to learn about the slave cabins, blacksmith’s and wheelwright’s shops that were once along the way.
Visitors are encouraged to bring water and lunch or a snack, and be prepared to pack in or pack out. The trip is mostly flat with the exception of a steep hill leading to the overlook.
Dogs on a leash are welcome to participate, too.
The event is free, and parking is $4 per vehicle.
The first 100 people to arrive will receive a First Day Hike bumper sticker, and all guests can form teams of two or more people to vie for a random drawing for Virginia State Park gift certificates, annual pass or ball cap. Click here to learn more.
