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GEORGIA – All across the country, people can welcome 2025 with an inspirational “First Day Hike” on New Year’s Day. Georgia’s State Park and Historic Site rangers are offering more than 70 guided adventures where participants can connect with friends, family and the great outdoors. Visitors can choose from a variety of distances and difficulties, from kid-friendly strolls to heart-pumping treks and wheelchair accessible trails. Participants will go home with a First Day Hikes sticker to commemorate their accomplishment as part of this nationwide movement.
First Day Hikes is a national initiative from America’s State Parks that encourages people to get outside and explore nature. It began more than three decades ago, and all 50 states have participated. A few unique First Day Hikes in Georgia include watching sunrise over the Okefenokee Swamp at Stephen C. Foster State Park, exploring a pitcher plant bog at Jack Hill State Park, a musket firing at Fort Morris Historic Site, and birding at Crooked River State Park. Dozens of additional hikes are listed on GaStateParks.org.
This year, Georgia State Parks will host two accessible hikes where mobility-impaired visitors can borrow all-terrain wheelchairs free of charge. Advanced reservations are required by December 27 for these two programs. The first is at Sweetwater Creek State Park west of Atlanta and the second is at Tallulah Gorge State Park in northeast Georgia. Participants may also bring their own all-terrain wheelchairs. A few more state parks have also planned First Day Hikes on easy, accessible trails, including Panola Mountain, Florence Marina, Seminole and Richard B. Russell.
For park guests who want to celebrate a quiet New Year’s Eve surrounded by fresh air, Georgia’s State Parks offer cozy cabins, heated yurts and modern campsites. Fireworks and sparklers are not allowed in state parks, making them a peaceful choice for the holiday – especially those with dogs. For reservations, call 1-800-864-7275 or visit GaStateParks.org.
2 Calendar Listings:
January 1, 2025
“First Day Hikes” on New Year’s Day
Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites
Times and locations vary.
Start New Year’s Day with a ranger-led hike in one of Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites. More than 70 hikes vary from easy to challenging, creating an inspiring and memorable kick-off to 2025 for all interests and abilities.
#FirstDayHikes
770-389-7286
https://gastateparks.org/FirstDayHikes
January 1, 2025
All-Terrain Wheelchair “First Day Hikes” on New Year’s Day
10 a.m. at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs
1 p.m. at Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls
Hikers with mobility impairments can sign up to use free all-terrain wheelchairs during two “First Day Hikes” on New Year’s Day. Space is limited and registration must be made by December 27.
#FirstDayHikes
770-389-7286