Patrick Flynn wanted to get people out to the parks during wintertime. That’s why on January 1, 1992, the park supervisor offered a guided hike through Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, Mass. It was a success – 380 trekkers showed up. Today, his idea has snowballed into a nationwide movement known as First Day Hikes with more than 1,000 different programs offered at public parks across all 50 states.
This year, Texas is serving up a wide spread, from self-guided strolls to ranger-led summits. Early risers can find programs at 6:45am, while night owls are invited for midnight excursions on the 31st. Bird lover? There are a few hikes for that. Dinosaur digger? You won’t be disappointed. If you’re not into hiking, then horseback riding, paddleboarding, fishing, and biking fill the agenda, too.
“It really runs the gamut of whatever you would like to get out of your first day hike,” says Katie Raney, a field interpretation coordinator for Texas State Parks.
The roughly 120 programs are listed on the Texas State Parks website under the First Day Hike page. Inks Lake State Park, offering both midnight and day hikes, and Lockhart State Park, with self-guided experiences, are just a couple of the offerings near Austin. Some programs ask for pre-registration and most parks require you to purchase a day pass. Popular locations can sell out early, so check the individual park websites before lacing up your boots.
As you hike, track your mileage and report to the park headquarters at the end. Not only do you get a free sticker for your trouble, but you also help tally up the total numbers. Last year, Texas charted 17,000 miles – taking home a new personal record and beating out all other states. (Even hiking is bigger in Texas.)
This turnout not only rejuvenates the parks but also the staff. Raney led her first hike for the program at the Bastrop State Park in 2012 after a severe fire burned 96% of the park’s 6,565 acres of pine-oak forest.
“I can’t tell you how hopeful it made me feel,” Raney says of seeing the 60 bright faces who showed up on January 1.
Aside from supporting parks, hikers participate in this tradition for the camaraderie and to set a positive tone for the rest of the year.
“Whether you’re diving in the river or you’re hiking to a mountain peak together,” Raney says, “we’re starting the year off on what we think is the right foot.”
Peruse all participating state parks at tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/first-day-hikes.
This article appears in December 27 • 2024.