December 27th, 2025

State Parks hold a special place in my heart. They don’t have the Ansel Adams views of National Parks, nor the local convenience of city parks, yet they are the places most of us go to find real adventure or solitude. I first camped out at Warrior’s Path State Park in Kingsport, Tennessee. I first encountered wild mountain ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park in Wilson, Virginia, and I first introduced both of my kids to the wilderness at Pedernales Falls State Park only weeks after they were born. So when State Parks from around the country join forces to start a new tradition, I’m in. Enter First Day Hikes.

As traditions go, First Day Hikes are relatively new. Started in 1992 in Massachusetts as an initiative to get more people outside during the winter months, it snowballed into a national initiative beginning in 2012. The concept is solid—help people start the year off right with fresh air, exercise, and some community fun.

Texas Parks and Wildlife jumped on the First Day Hikes bandwagon back in 2011, and their programming game has gotten stronger every year. I especially love the creativity and enthusiasm of the rangers on this day! Here are some of the coolest ways to ring in 2026 around Central Texas:

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Dec 31, 11:15 p.m.—Midnight Summit. Hike one of our state’s most iconic trails while the stars are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas. The Summit Trail is only .8 miles, but it’s straight up, so bring your poles and a headlamp!

Palmetto State Park: Jan 1—Just 45 minutes down the road, Palmetto State Park offers a birding hike at 7:30 a.m. and the Palmetto Plunge at 12 p.m., combining two of my favorite New Year’s traditions in a First Day Hike and a Polar Plunge.

Pedernales State Park: Jan 1—Just 45 minutes in the other direction, Pedernales Falls provides options all day, so you can even sleep in and still enjoy a great hike. 8:30 a.m. Falls Loop Hike along the river. 10 a.m. Juniper Ridge Hike for a taste of real quiet, and 3 p.m. a family-friendly First Day Fossils Hike.

Blanco State Park: Jan 1, 10:00 a.m.—CCC History Hike. Not only do you get some fresh air along the Blanco River, but you also get to learn about the remarkable history of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and their role in establishing so many of our parks.

Government Canyon State Natural Area: Jan 1—I don’t know who the interpretive ranger is for this San Antonio Natural Area, but my hat’s off to them for this incredible lineup. 9:00 a.m. Family Friendly Hike along the Savannah Loop trail, accompanied by a ranger describing the flora and fauna to kids as they go. 9:30 a.m. Poetry Hike that starts with a poetry reading and then meanders 1.25 miles along the Discovery Trail, pausing to reflect and write. 10 a.m. Tails to Trails hike with your best canine friend.

 

 

 

Author: Christian Hawley