| The First Day Hike program organized by "America's State Parks" is a historic event. It represents the first time that all 50 state parks have collaborated on a nationwide event occurring on the same day. From California to Maine, every state park system in the country is participating.
On January 1, 2012, bring your friends and family and welcome the New Year by rejuvenating and reconnecting with the outdoors. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature, and visit a state park.
Join in on the "First Day Hikes" being offered at the following Georgia State Parks:
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge - Dawsonville, GA
10:30 AM – Start 2012 off with a brisk walk full of winter views to the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi. Meet at the West Ridge Falls Access Trailhead, 0.6 of a mile roundtrip. $5 parking. 706-265-1969
Cloudland Canyon State Park - Rising Fawn, GA
1 to 4 PM – Did you make a resolution to be healthier and happier in 2012? Then join G3 Outfitters on a guided hike to Cherokee and Hemlock Falls. This naturalist-led hike will take you by unique geology of the canyon. Start your new year with a new hike! $5 plus $5 parking. 706-913-7170
Crooked River State Park - St. Marys, GA
9 AM – Greet 2012 with a 1½ hour naturalist-led hike along the “Ever Living" Trail. Route includes a birding platform and mudflats of Crooked River at low tide. Winter birds, native plants and native animals such as the gopher tortoise, Indian shell middens and marsh ecology will be discussed. Meet at the Sempervirens Trailhead. Pedometers available. $1 plus $5 parking. 912-882-5256
F.D. Roosevelt State Park - Pine Mountain, GA
1:15 PM – Join members of the Pine Mountain Trail Association for a 3.4-mile Overlook Loop hike on New Year's Day. Meet at the Country Store Parking Lot and explore Gardens Overlook Crossing and the Chestnut Oak Trail. The PMTA will provide a shuttle at the Gardens Overlook for those who prefer a shorter 1.4-mile hike. 706-663-4858
Fort Yargo State Park - Winder, GA
1 PM – Start off the New Year by going for a hike. Join us on a moderate 3.5 mile excursion along the lake. Bring water and snacks. $5 parking. 770-867-3489
Georgia Veterans State Park - Cordele, GA
2 PM – Meet at the activity shelter in the campground for an hour and a half nature hike on the first day of the year. $1 plus $5 parking. 229-276-2371
Laura S. Walker State Park - Waycross, GA
9:45 AM – Hike with a Ranger on Big Creek Nature Trail to start the New Year off right by getting fit. Hike starts at 10:00 AM and finishes by 11:30 AM. Meet at the park office by 9:45 AM Sunday morning. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. $5 parking. 912-287-4900
Panola Mountain State Park - Stockbridge, GA
1 PM – Hike to the top of Panola Mountain to make a fresh start on the New Year. Join a park ranger on a journey by writing out, then burning, last years burdens. Hike to the top of the mountain picturing all the great things you will accomplish in 2012. We will finish around a campfire sharing hot chocolate and our plans for the New Year. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801
Reed Bingham State Park - Adel, GA
1 PM – Start off the New Year with a guided hike down our trails. Please wear appropriate shoes and bring water. Meet at the trail head. $5 parking. 229-896-3551
Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA
2 to 4 PM – Hike with Smithgall’s Manager and Interpretive Ranger to the beautiful Smithgall cottage facility where hot cider will be waiting. Let the First Hike be your first step toward good health, then continue through the year with progressively longer hikes. “A Walk in the Park” brochure offers guidance for hike distance and difficulty. $5 parking. 706-878-3087
Stephen C. Foster State Park - Fargo, GA
9 AM – Take a guided hike on the Trembling Earth Nature Trail. See some of the effects from the Honey Priarie Fire. Learn why fire is a vital process of the unique Okefenokee ecosystem. As you hike, learn about the plants and animals found in the beautiful Okefenokee Swamp. This is an easy 3/4 mile trail. $2 plus $5 parking. (912) 637-5274
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA
2 to 4 PM – Join the Park Manager for this walk that takes visitors to a seldom seen area of the park, where a trace of the globally imperiled Mountain Longleaf Pine habitat has survived. We will discuss the trees that share this habitat, plans to restore areas of this habitat, and take in some beautiful vistas from the ridge tops of this incredible area. Meet at the Interpretive Center. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871
Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA
10 AM – What a great way to start the New Year – Go for a Hike! Join a ranger on a moderate 3.5-mile hike along the rim and through the woods. Bring water and snacks. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-754-7981
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