The notion of beginning a new year with a brisk walk goes back ages, but the modern concept of First Day Hikes is relatively new, dating back only to 1992 when a Massachusetts State Park held the first First Day Hike. With the lure of hot soup, the hike drew 380 hikers. Massachusetts State Parks began offering similar First Day Hikes throughout Massachusetts in 2008, and the concept went national in 2012 thanks to America’s State Parks, which represents State Parks nationwide. More than 400 hikes were held across the US that first year. Last year, more than 55,000 people welcomed 2022 with a First Day Hike.
In today's episode, we look at First Day Hike options at state parks throughout the Southeast. You can learn more about the hikes mentioned, as well as other First Day Hikes in the region, by clicking the appropriate State Park link below:
Not in our listening area? You can find a rundown of First Day Hikes nationwide at the America’s State Parks website, here.
Find a history of the First Day Hikes concept here.
Not accustomed to cold weather hiking? The American Hiking Society offers tips for cold weather hiking here.
You can learn more about our GetHiking! and GetBackpacking! adventures, and everything else we do at GetGoingNC.com, click on Explore with us!