Start your resolution planning early by committing to a Virginia State Parks’ First Day Hike at one of 37 state parks on New Year’s Day.
With over 500 miles of trails, the Virginia State Parks offer something for every outdoor enthusiast. Join other hikers, bikers, and horseback riders for a day of self-guided or rare hikes, and enter photo and New Year’s Challenge contests throughout Virginia. Free parking is available for New Year’s Day hikes.
At Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, you can enjoy a bonfire with a sparkling cider toast at the end of the hike. This hike begins on New Year’s Eve at 11 p.m. and ends in time to ring in the New Year.
Other specialty hikes include the chance to see wild ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park or hikers can catch a ride along the beach on a Terragator before hiking to the North Carolina border at False Cape State Park.
Many parks welcome bikers, horseback riders, and leashed dogs. For rules and details about the different parks and hikes visit, click here.
Interested in reserving a cabin or campsite? Call the Virginia State Parks Customer Care Center at 800-933-7275 or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
To enter the contests, sign up for the New Year’s Day First Day Hike Challenge by clicking here.
Winners are selected at random. Prizes include gift certificates for overnight stays, picnic shelter rentals, or annual passes and Virginia State Parks Loyalty Points.
This story was published in partnership with our sister publication, Southside Daily.
