Texas State Parks are continuing the “First Day Hike” traditions for the New Year with guided hikes and nature walks at all locations.
Last year, nearly 8,000 people shattered attendance records on New Year’s Day by ringing in Texas State Parks’ 100th birthday with a First Day Hike.
“Texas State Parks’ staff had so much fun celebrating the 100th birthday with the people of Texas this year,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “Last year, Texas led the nation in First Day Hikes participation and miles walked. We invite everyone to come back and be part of the fun again this year as we usher in the next century of memories.”
Midnight hikes on New Year’s Eve are planned at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, Trailway, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
Galveston Island State Park will hold a 7 a.m. “Sunrise Beach Walk” will be followed by a 9 a.m. hike on Jan. 1, and Brazos Bend State Park is planning an 8 a.m. to noon hike at its 40-acre lake Trail.
Sea Rim State Park holds a 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. beach hike on Jan. 1, hosted by park staff and the Sabine-Neches chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists, followed by a snack featuring cabbage, cornbread, and black-eyed peas. This hike will be roughly a one-mile round trip, and the terrain is firm but uneven. For information on this hike, call 409-242-7325.
A complete list of first-day activities can be found online at tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/first day-hikes.
