Looking for a new way to ring in the New Year? Feel the fresh air and sunshine on Jan. 1 with a First Day Hike.
The tradition of a First Day Hike started in Massachusetts in 1992, and the idea has gained traction over the years. First Day Hikes are now being promoted around the nation by state parks and the National Association of State Park Directors. The efforts promote healthy lifestyles and an appreciation of natural resources. The hikes throughout the nation vary in difficulty, and several include a guided tour from a local ranger. In 2025, more than 1,000 hikes have been made available to those looking to get some exercise on the first day of the New Year.
Raven Rock State Park, 3009 Raven Rock Rd., Lillington, NC will have a First Day Hike beginning at 9 a.m. Hikers should meet at the picnic shelter in the first parking lot. This one-hour, half-mile hike will be led by Ranger Lindsay Baker, who will talk about some of the nature in the Piedmont area.
"This short hike is great for kids and adults alike. There is a self guided hike along this trail that features various points of interest. Walk along the headwaters of Little Creek and explore the banks for water bugs and reptiles. Be on the lookout for woodpeckers and box turtles along the trail," Ranger Baker said.
The trail at Raven Rock is not ADA accessible, and Ranger Baker requests no strollers be brought on the trail. Friendly dogs are allowed to participate as long as they stay leashed.
"I want visitors to come ready to start off the new year on the right foot, by embracing and being in the outdoors," Ranger Baker said. "I try to talk about many things on hikes including Raven Rock specific information, but also how visitors can incorporate the concept of being present, grounding, mindfullness and engaging with their senses and curiosity while out on hikes in nature."
For more information, call 910-893-4888, or email raven.rock@ncparks.gov or visit https://bit.ly/4iH66lj
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve in Southern Pines will also be participating in the first-day hike tradition. There will be three different tracts participants can enjoy.
The Boyd Tract will begin at 9 a.m. and is an easy, one-mile hike through a longleaf pine forest. Weymouth Woods boasts the oldest known living longleaf pine tree in the world, and a ranger will be showing off the beauty of the area during this one-hour hike. For a map of the hike, visit https://bit.ly/4govzic
The Weymouth Tract will begin at 1 p.m. and is a two-mile hike through different habitats located within the state park. Rangers request participants come dressed for the weather and to wear comfortable shoes.
The Paint Hill Tract hike will begin at 3 p.m. and covers 1.5 miles of trail. This hike will be centered around a rare plant called the Sandhills pixiemoss which blooms in winter. This hike takes off from the parking area at the Stoneyfield Drive access.
For more information about the Weymouth Woods Nature Preserve hikes, call 910-692-2167, or email weymouth.woods@ncparks.gov.
For those looking to get a bit further out of the greater Cumberland County area, Jordan Lake in Apex, NC is holding a two-hour first-day hike, beginning at 9 a.m. This hike will feature animal silhouettes on the trail, and the ranger guiding the hike will talk about the different species found in the area and their special adaptations.
For a full list of First Day Hikes available in North Carolina, visit https://www.ncparks.gov/events-list Start the New Year off with a walk through some of the best nature North Carolina has to offer while enjoying the fresh, crisp air and a chance to stretch your legs.