Last updated: December 18, 2024
Article
First Day Hikes
Courtesy of Suki Syke
Kick off the new year on the right foot! National parks are a great place to begin your new year's resolution of enjoying the health benefits of parks while also admiring the stunning winter scenery.
"First Day Hikes" is a tradition started by state park systems inviting everyone to take a hike in a park on January 1 to encourage healthy activities in the outdoors all year long. Whether you walk, run, or even bike or paddle, come out to explore the trails in your national parks too!
Step 1: Find a park
Step 2: Plan ahead
Step 3: Set a goal
Step 4: Step off!
Step 5: Repeat until you reach your goal for the year
If you are heading to a national park on January 1—or any other day of the year—remember to recreate responsibly to promote health and safety of everyone. Share your experience and inspire others on social media using #FirstDayHikes and #YourParkStory!
Trails & Hiking
Learn more about hiking and trails across the National Park System, including where to go, tips, and ways to get involved.
Hike Smart
Whether going for a rough and tough wilderness hike or a casual stroll on a paved trail, get tips for a fun, safe hike.
NPS App
The free NPS App can help before and during your hike to make the most of your experience.
National Park Challenges
Need more motivation? Join a mileage challenge hosted by a park.
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KENTUCKY & TENNESSEEEastern Kentucky & Tennessee ParksStack up miles at Big South Fork NR&R, Obed W&SR, and Manhattan Project NHP for the annual GO BIG Challenge!
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WEST VIRGINIANew River Gorge National Park & PreservePeople—and pets—can start the 100-mile challenge any time! You can also earn miles at neighboring park Bluestone National Scenic River.
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NEW YORKSaratoga National Historical ParkHike or bike your way through history with the park's 100 Mile Challenge. You can even keep going to join the 1,777 Club!
Hiking and Trail Events
Set the calendar to January to find ranger-led First Day Hikes in national parks. You can also use the calendar to find other events on trails hosted by national parks year-round.
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By State
By Event Type
Trip Ideas
Need some ideas of where to go? Check out these trip ideas from rangers to plan your trail excursion.
Showing results 1-10 of 882
- Big Thicket National Preserve
Hike the Birdwatchers Trail
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Hiking
- Locations: Big Thicket National Preserve
- Duration: 30-60 Minutes
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Menard Creek Corridor Unit | Romayor, TX
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day
¾ mile roundtrip | This short hike leads to views of Menard Creek and the Trinity River, an important migration route for birds.
- Bryce Canyon National Park
Ride Your Bike in the Park
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Biking
- Locations: Bryce Canyon National Park
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Historic Service Station
- Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
The best way to cycle within the first three miles of the park is by using the Shared-use path. It provides 5 miles (8 km) of vehicle-free two-lane path connecting the shuttle station north of the park with the Visitor Center, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Inspiration Point. Bicyclists looking for a longer ride can travel along the main park road to the southern end of the park.
- Dinosaur National Monument
Hike the Jones Hole Trail
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Backcountry Hiking
- Locations: Dinosaur National Monument
- Duration: 2-10 Hours
- Reservations: No
- Pets: No
- Location: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Jones Hole Fish Hatchery
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
8.5 miles (13.6 km) round trip, out and back trail. Jones Hole Trail is a popular hike along a babbling brook near the northwest corner of Dinosaur National Monument. The creek offers good trout fishing. A Utah State fishing license is required. Backcountry camping requires a permit. Camping at Ely Creek requires advanced reservations. No pets allowed.
- Capitol Reef National Park
Hike Cathedral Valley
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Backcountry Hiking
- Locations: Capitol Reef National Park
- Reservations: No
- Pets: No
- Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk
Explore Cathedral Valley by foot. These hikes are accessible only by rough unpaved roads. A high clearance vehicle is necessary and four-wheel drive is recommended at times.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Hike the Ledges Trail
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Hiking
- Locations: Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Duration: 1-2 Hours
- Reservations: No
- Age: 6 and Older
- Pets: Yes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day, Dawn
The Ledges Trail circles a plateau of striking rock formations and provides stunning views along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Hike the Brandywine Gorge Loop
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Hiking
- Locations: Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Duration: 1-2 Hours
- Reservations: No
- Age: 6 and Older
- Pets: Yes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day, Dawn
The Brandywine Gorge Loop circles a deep ravine carved by Brandywine Creek, and provides stunning views of Brandywine Falls along the way. Learn more about hiking this popular trail.
- Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Hiking along the Arkansas River
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Hiking
- Locations: Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
- Duration: 30-90 Minutes
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day
Visitors can hike a 1.75 mile trail that winds its way through the cottonwood trees alongside the wetlands and the Arkansas River. Interpretive exhibit panels explain the further significance of this important river ecosystem.
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Hiking
- Locations: Montezuma Castle National Monument, Tuzigoot National Monument
- Duration: 10 Minutes
- Reservations: No
- Pets: Yes
- Location: Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time Of Day: Day
Do you think your dog has what it takes to become an official Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot Bark Ranger? Stop by the visitor center to get certified. Certification allows you to purchase an exclusive BARK Ranger badge from the bookstore.
- Colorado National Monument
Hiking from Devils Kitchen Picnic Area
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Hiking
- Locations: Colorado National Monument
- Duration: 1-8 Hours
- Reservations: No
- Pets: No
- Location: Devils Kitchen Picnic Area
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Many incredible hikes begin just inside the East Entrance to the Monument. Choose from short day hikes to longer, more difficult backcountry travel.
- Colorado National Monument
Hiking from Saddlehorn Visitor Center
- Type: Things To Do
- Subtype: Hiking
- Locations: Colorado National Monument
- Duration: 1-8 Hours
- Reservations: No
- Pets: No
- Location: Saddlehorn Visitor Center
- Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
These hikes can be accessed from the visitor center. Several short hikes to incredible views begin here, as well as a longer trail perfect for a night in the backcountry. Come to the visitor center for an orientation film, Junior Ranger booklets, and more.