First Day Hikes in North Carolina 2024
I love a good North Carolina hike. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend time exploring the beautiful state of North Carolina!
What better way to start off the New Year on the right foot than to join in a First Day Hike in North Carolina, led and sponsored by America’s State Parks?
What is a First Day Hike? A first day hike is like the grand opening of a year-long adventure! It’s that delightful tradition where folks kick off the New Year by embracing the great outdoors with a smile and a skip in their step.
Picture it: crisp air, nature’s charm, and a bunch of eager souls setting out to make memories and start off their year in a way to support a healthy body and connect with nature.
Whether you’re a seasoned trailblazer or a casual stroller, a first day hike is the perfect way to say “hello” to the year ahead with a splash of sunshine and a dash of adventure!
Here’s a list of 37 North Carolina State Parks offering First Day Hikes on January 1st, 2024. Use this table of contents to help you trailblaze your way to find the park information that interests you most.
37 NC State Parks Offering First Day Hikes on Jan. 1st, 2024
1) William B Umstead State Park, Raleigh, NC Gleenwood Ave. Entrance. First Day Hike Scavenger Hunt 8AM-5PM (Piedmont)
Cost: Free
Activity Level: Self-guide
Join the fun at First Day Hike 2024 in Umstead Park! Grab a scavenger hunt sheet from the visitor center, pick your fave trail, and embark on an adventure.
Complete the sheet and snag a cool sticker at the visitors center to celebrate!
Visitor center open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Swing by Oak Rock Trailhead 3-4 p.m. for a ranger meet-and-greet. Let the hiking games begin!
2) Chimney Rock State Park: Chimney Rock NC 8:00-10:00AM (Mountains)
Cost: Free with no registration required.
Activity Level: Moderately strenuous, uphill with a paved surface.
Start the year on a high note with a First Day Hike at Chimney Rock State Park!
Join a ranger for a history-filled 3.2-mile journey up the entrance road—normally for cars only, it’s all yours! No traffic, just a scenic hike at 8 a.m. from Old Rock Cafe.
Traverse a historic bridge, soak in the park’s past, and enjoy a free return ticket for January 1, 2024.
Stay hydrated, wear comfy gear, and let’s make this uphill adventure a blast!
3) Medoc Mountain State Park, Hollister, NC 8:00-9:30AM (Coastal)
Activity Level: Stream Loop and Fishing Loop trails are listed as “easy” on the park website.
Ring in 2024 with a stroll at Medoc Mountain State Park! Join their hike at the picnic shelters and continue your stroll on the Stream Loop and Fishing Loop trails.
Don’t forget your electronic gadgets for a photo contest! The champ snags a cool hiking stick with a Medoc Mountain State Park medallion.
See you at the picnic shelter!
4) Pilot Mountain Sate Park, Pinnacle, NC 8AM-3PM First Day Bingo Hike! (Piedmont)
Activity Level: Self-guided
Celebrate your First Day Hike in a whole new way! Embark on a self-guided adventure, snag a bingo sheet at the visitors center, and let the nature scavenger hunt begin!
Swing by the visitor center between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for details and your lucky sheet. Heads up: Summit parking might be as hard to find as Bigfoot, so plan accordingly!
5) Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Kure Beach, NC. Trash and Treasure Beach Walk 8:30AM-9:30AM (Coastal)
Leashed Pets Welcome!
Cost: Free
Activity Level: Self-paced
Fort Fisher is another one of my personal favorites. You’re shore to kick off the new year with a refreshing Beach Walk at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area!
Discover the “trash and treasure” left behind on the beach the night before. Guide books will be on hand to help you identify your beach finds.
Most will stroll about a mile, but feel free to venture farther if you fancy.
Bring water, a container for your treasures, and a small trash bag to help keep the beach tidy.
Leashed pets are invited too!
Meet by the lifeguard stand at the boardwalk’s end.
Start off the new year with a clean beach while make waves and memories!
6) Carvers Creek State Park, Fayetteville, NC (Coastal)
Cost: Free. Registration is required
Activity Level: All trails at the Sandhills access are listed as “easy”
Ring in the New Year with a nature stroll at Carvers Creek State Park!
Choose from three hikes: one at Sandhills Access and two at Long Valley Farm Access.
The Sandhills hike covers 2-3 miles, so grab water and dress for the weather.
Meet at the cozy Sandhills parking spot.
Registration is a must, —click “Register” or call (910) 436-4681. Let’s kick off the year with some outdoor fun!
Registration is required; to sign up, click the Register button to email carvers.creek@ncparks.gov or call (910) 436-4681.
- History Hike: 10-11AM Spring Lake, NC Long Valley Farm Access
Cost: Free. Registration is required.
Activity Level: Map to Long Valley Farm access
Ring in the New Year with a fun-filled history hike at Carvers Creek State Park!
Join up at Long Valley Farm for a 2-3 mile stroll into the past. Don’t forget your water bottle and dress for the weather.
Meet in front of the park office—make memories and Register now by emailing carvers.creek@ncparks.gov or calling (910) 436-4681.
Cost: Free. Registration required
Activity Level: Good for kids and families. Map to Long Valley Farm access
Step into the new year with a fun-filled nature hike at Carvers Creek State Park! Perfect for kids and families, we’ll stroll 1.5 miles of scenic beauty. Don’t forget water, dress for the weather, and, of course, bring your playful spirit. Kids, bring your adults! Meet at the park office, but first, hit that Register button or contact carvers.creek@ncparks.gov / (910) 436-4681 to join the adventure.
7) Fort Macon State Park (Coastal)
- 9AM (one short and one long)
- 3PM (one short and one long)
Activity Level: Choose a trail, easy to moderate.
Ring in the new year with a stroll in your beloved state park! Fort Macon State Park has four ranger-led hikes: two at 9 a.m. and two at 3 p.m.
The short hike explores Yarrow’s Loop Trail and the inlet beach (0.75 mi). The longer one covers the 3.2-mile Elliot Coues Trail.
Wear sturdy shoes, pack water, and bug spray.
Join up at fort’s parade ground at 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. Discover the soldier’s small arms and witness a lively blank firing demo!
8) Jockeys Ridge State Park, Nags Head NC 9-10AM (Coastal)
Cost: Free
Activity Level: Easy
Embark on a 2024 First Day Hike with a ranger!
Meet at the visitors center on the back deck at 9AM Conquer the East Coast’s biggest sand dune, stroll the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, and triumphantly reach the summit. Dress wisely—windy and chilly vibes ahead.
A breezy 1.5-mile trek awaits, all starting at the visitor center back deck at 9AM. Lace up beach walking appropriate shoes and let’s stride into the New Year!
9) Lumber River State Park (Coastal)
Cost: Free
Start your year off right by connecting with nature a guided hike at Lumber River.
Cost: Free
Activity Level: website doesn’t specify
Enjoy the start of the new year with a guided hike by the Lumber River.
10) Mount Mitchell State Park (Mountains)
Cost: Free. Registration is required. to sign up, click the Register button to email mandy.blake@ncparks.gov.
Activity Level: Experienced hikers only
Embark on a chilly adventure at Mount Mitchell State Park with First Day Hikes! They offer three hikes (weather permitting), starting at 9 a.m. from the park museum.
After sweating it out on the 6-mile loop, warm up with hot cocoa and snag some buttons.
Dress warmly, bring water, and be ready for a brisk, but awesome, trek!
Remember, the wind’s no joke, and the trail can be icy so bundle up and wear sturdy boots.
Restrooms and water are 2 miles away at the park office, so plan wisely!
Cost: Free. Registration is required
Activity Level: Easy and family friendly
Take off on a breezy 1-mile stroll at the Balsam Nature Trail, kicking off at the park museum atop Mount Mitchell.
Post-hike perks? Hot cocoa and buttons await you!
Dress snuggly for the chilly summit weather – it’s cooler than you think. Don’t forget comfy shoes; icy trails are no joke.
Restrooms and water are 2 miles pre-summit, so plan a pit stop. Register at the click of a button or email mandy.blake@ncparks.gov – adventure awaits!
Cost: Free. Registration is required
Activity Level:
11) Raven Rock State Park 11AM (Coastal)
Activity Level: Moderate
Join this 2.6-mile hike to Mount Craig at 11 a.m.!
Meet at the park museum for a moderate trek.
Post-hike, warm up with hot chocolate and buttons at the summit.
Bundle up—Mount Mitchell can be chilly! Dress warmly, wear proper footwear, and plan restroom breaks wisely. Don’t forget to register with mandy.blake@ncparks.gov
12) Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve (Piedmont)
Start the year on the right foot with a First Day Hike at Boyd Tract! Trek a leisurely 1 mile through ancient longleaf pine forests. Meet the world’s oldest longleaf pine and the former state champ!
Dress for the weather, sport comfy shoes, and join the group at Weymouth Center’s parking lot, 555 E. Connecticut Ave.
Kickstart your year with a cheerful First Day Hike! Join the other First Day Hikers at Weymouth Tract for a leisurely 2-mile stroll through the charming longleaf pine forest.
Dress warmly for the weather, slip on hike-friendly shoes, and meet at the visitor center.
Let’s make 2024 a year of happy hikes, Starting with this one!
Join this 1.5-mile hike at Paint Hill Tract, a hidden gem in Weymouth Woods!
Brace yourself for more ups and downs than a rollercoaster in the Sandhills, and spy a rare winter bloom—the elusive Sandhills pixiemoss.
Dress weather-wise, lace up comfy shoes, and meet at Stoneyfield Drive parking. Make your 2024 memories one step at a time!
13) Carolina Beach State Park, Carolina Beach 10AM-12PM (Coastal)
Browse Carolina Beach Shirts, mugs and more!
This 2-mile stroll to Sugarloaf Dune is the way to start your 2024!
Grab water, lace up those hiking shoes, and let’s kick off the New Year on the right foot.
Meet at Sugarloaf Trailhead by the marina—let the adventure begin!
14) Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, Seven Springs, 10-11:30AM (Coastal)
Browse Cliffs of the Neuse Shirts, Books, Pillows & More
Embark on a ranger-led adventure for our First Day Hike on the Lake Trail! It’s a 2-mile loop – just enough to get your heart pumping without breaking a sweat.
No need to fancy up, just wrap up warm and put on some trusty footwear. Watch out for slippery spots – consider it nature’s dance floor!
If solitude is more your vibe, hit the trail solo during park hours on Jan. 1. Swing by the visitor center for your exclusive First Day Hike sticker – it’s a badge of honor!
Let’s kick off 2024 with a stroll and a smile! Meet up at the visitor center, and let the good times roll.
15) Crowders Mountain State Park/Kings Mountain, Blacksburg, SC (Piedmont)
Browse Crowders Mountain Shirts, Hoodies & More
Cost: Hike is free with admission to Kings Mountain which is $3 adults; $1.50 SC seniors; $1 children age 6-15; age 5 & younger free
Activity Level: Moderate
Kick off the year with a smile at Crrowders Mountain State Park on the Three Parks, Two States, One Hike event.
Starting in sunny South Carolina at 10 a.m., you’ll trek the Ridgeline Trail to Crowders Mountain State Park, reaching the Boulders access by 1 p.m.
It’s a moderate 5.6-mile adventure, weaving through Kings Mountain National Military Park.
Pack water, binoculars, bug spray, and your camera for nature’s photo ops. Lace up those hiking boots, dress for the weather, and let the good times roll! 🚶♂️📸
Shuttles back to your car await, courtesy of the Kings Mountain crew. For details, check out Kings Mountain State Park’s website.
Join the fun at Crowders Mountain State Park’s First Day Hikes!
Strap on your hiking boots for a 2-mile adventure starting at Boulders Access at 1:30 p.m.
Led and sponsored by the awesome Friends of Crowders Mountain, enjoy scenic views and cool rock outcroppings.
Kick off the year with nature and good vibes!
16) Dismal Swamp State Park, South Mills, NC 10-11AM (Coastal)
Browse Dismal Swamp Shirts, Pillows, Books & More
Cost: Free
Activity Level: Easy
Meet the group next to the Dismal swamp State Park bridge at 10AM and get ready for the inaugural 2024 hike at Dismal Swamp State Park!
Join the adventure with Ranger Alan Brown on the Supple-Jack Trail, where wildlife sightings are on the agenda. It’s a leisurely 2-mile loop.
17) Falls Lake State Recreation Area. First Day Hike – Bears! Wake Forest, NC 10AM-12PM (Piedmont)
Cost: Free
Activity Level: Easy
Come out of hibernation and join this hike for a beary fun First Day Hike at Falls Lake.
A light 1.5-mile stroll on the Fox Trot Trail at Beaverdam Access awaits.
Meet at Picnic Shelter 24 at 10AM – it’s a paw-some way to kick off the year!
18) Goose Creek State Park, Washington, NC 10AM-2PM 50th Anniversary Celebration with First Day Hikes at 10:30AM & 1PM (Coastal)
Goose Creek Magnets, Pillows and More
Cost: Free
Activity Level: Website does not specify
It’s a Goose Creek State Park 50th anniversary bash and First Day Hikes combo!
Celebrate by enjoying First Day Hikes, historic demos, and talks, live music and food! Kick off at Flicker Field with a musket bang!
The NC Estuarium leads a hike at 10:30 on the Palmetto Boardwalk Trail, and Sound Rivers leads a hike on Live Oak Trail at 1PM.
Tar kiln demonstrations, muskets, live music and yummy eats all day! Make it a festive New Year’s Day celebration at Goose Creek State Park.
19) Gorges State Park (Mountains) 10AM
Browse Gorges State Park Shirts, Pillows and More
Get ready to kick off 2024 with a stroll to Upper Bearwallow Falls Overlook!
Join the amazing Park Superintendent, Kevin Bischof, for a 30-minute, moderate hike.
Grab hike-friendly shoes, stay hydrated, and meet us at the Upper Bearwallow Picnic Shelter at 10AM. Hike into the new year!
Start off the new year by taking a stroll with Park Ranger Melanie Briley on a First Day Hike along Raymond Fisher Pond Trail!
Gear up for a moderate 60-minute walk—bring comfy shoes, hydration, and meet the group at Rainbow Falls Trailhead at 1PM. Start making your 2024 memories on the trail!
20) Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro, NC 10AM-12PM Bear Island (Coastal)
Cost: Free. Registration is Required
- On Bear Island- Morning & Afternoon
Start your year with a ferry ride and with a park ranger to Bear Island! Learn about island habitats and wildlife, explore on your own and grab a beachy souvenir. Kickstart 2024 with a splash!
Prior registration is required—call (910) 326-4881 to register.
21) Hanging Rock State Park, Westfield, NC (Piedmont)
Browse Hanging Rock Magnets, Shirts, Pillows & More
Start out your 2024 by hanging out with Park staff and other First Day Hikers at Hanging Rock State Park. They are offering 3 different First Day Hikes along with yummy treats at the visitors center. H
- Hanging Rock, 10AM-12PM, 9AM 2.6 mile hike. Dress for chilly weather and wear good hiking shoes.
Cost: Free. Registration is encouraged but not required. Email jackson.perry@ncparks.gov to sign up.
Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult
- Junior Ranger Hike, Lake Loop Trailhead, Westfield, NC, 11AM-12PM
Cost: Free. Registration is encouraged but not required. Email maggie.miller@ncparks.gov to sign up.
Activity Level: Good for families and is tailored for ages 3 to 12 with families.
Join the First Day fun at 11 a.m. for a whimsical adventure at Hanging Rock State Park! Discover the park’s enchanting history, spot critters, and snag a Junior Ranger badge on a 1-mile trail around the picturesque lake.
Ideal for ages 3 to 12 and their family. Don’t forget comfy shoes, weather-ready attire, and bring your thirst for outdoor adventure!
Cost: Free. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Activity Level: Moderate to difficult
Join the group at 1PM to burn off those Holiday calories on Moore’s Wall Loop Trail!
Hike 5 miles with a ranger, tackling moderate to tricky terrain.
Check out cool spots like the old fire tower and Balanced Rock as you trail-blaze clockwise.
Don’t forget water, comfy kicks, hiking and winter-friendly clothes, and maybe a hiking stick or camera for extra fun!
22) Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, Ebenezer Church Access, Apex, NC 10AM – 12PM (Piedmont)
Browse Jordan Lake Books, Shirts, Bags & More
Cost: Free
Activity Level: Easy
Set off on the year’s inaugural hike with a friendly ranger!
Enjoy a casual 1-mile loop stroll along Ebenezer Church Trail.
Learn about the lake’s past, Ebenezer Church, and quirky area tidbits.
Dress appropriately, bring a camera and pack binoculars if you’d like! No RSVP needed—just pop by the beach parking lot. Take the first left, and voila, the trail awaits on your left. Make your first walk of 2024 a memorable one!
23) Lake Norman State Park, Troutman, NC 10 – 11:30AM (Piedmont)
Browse Lake Norman Apparel, Cups, Decor, Books & More
Start the New Year on the right foot at Lake Norman with a First Day Hike! Choose from two ranger-led hikes, dress weather-ready, wear closed-toe shoes, and sip on hot cocoa courtesy of Friends of Lake Norman State Park.
Don’t worry if you miss the group. Hike solo anytime on Jan. 1, and snag your First Day Hike sticker at the visitor center. Let’s kick off 2024 together!
- Early Bird Fitness Hike 10AM: Meet at the visitor center at 10AM for a 1.5 hike on the Hawk Loop Trail
- Late Afternoon Stroll 4PM: Meet at the visitor center at 4PM for a 0.8 miles walk
24) Morrow Mountain State Park, Albemarle, NC 10-11AM (Piedmont)
Browse Morrow Mountain Shirts, Decor, Books & More
Cost: Free
Activity Level: Easy
Kick off 2024 on the right foot (literally)!
Explore the Civilian Conservation Corps history at Morrow Mountain and meet Uwharrie’s native wildlife on an easy, 0.6-mile Quarry Trail loop.
Meet up at the lower picnic parking area—just follow the fun to the big lot below the swimming pool!
25) South Mountains State Park – Cicero Branch Parking Area, Connelly Springs, NC 1-3PM (Mountains)
Activity Level: Family Friendly, easy to moderate
Start your new year off right on a family-friendly waterfall hike from Cicero Branch to Big Bear Falls!
A park ranger will share tales of bears, critters, geology, and waterfalls.
A 2-mile stroll awaits, or extend your hike to High Shoals Falls for a longer adventure.
Dress comfy, hydrate, and meet at Cicero Branch’s River Trailhead at 1PM for a wild time!
26) Merchants Millpond State Park- Boat Ramp Parking Area, Gatesville, NC 11AM-12PM (Coastal)
Browse Merchants Millpond Books, Phone Cases, Apparel, Bag & More
Join a ranger at Merchants Millpond State Park for the First Day Hike 2024!
Enjoy a 2-mile stroll on the Coleman Trail, soaking up park history and discovering local critters.
Don’t forget water, sturdy shoes, and your weather-appropriate clothing and footwear.
Meet at the boat ramp parking at 11AM to kick off the year with a walk on the wild side!
27) Lake James State Park – Catawba River Access, Nebo, NC 1-2PM (Mountains)
Browse Lake James Apparel, Books, Bags, Decor & More
Step into 2024 on the right foot! Lace up those hiking boots and join Ranger Hughes for Lake James State Park’s first guided hike of the year along the Fox Den Loop Trail.
It’s a 2.25 miles of nature fun!
Meet the group at the Catawba River Access office breezeway at 1PM. Let’s start the year with a stride!
28) Lake Waccamaw State Park, 1-2PM (Coastal)
Browse Lake Waccamaw Stickers, Bags, Decor and More
Start your New Year off on a scenic 3-mile stroll with a friendly park ranger at Lake Waccamaw State Park!
Explore the lakeside and park’s charming upland spots. Don’t forget comfy shoes and cozy attire.
Meet up at the visitor center at 1PM for a nature-filled adventure!
29) Elk Knob State Park – Trailhead Parking Area, Todd, NC 1:30-2:30PM (Mountains)
Browse Elk Knob Apparel, Decor, Phone Cases & More
Activity Level: Easy
Meet at the trailhead parking area at 1:30PM to start your new year off on the right foot with a 1-mile hike along the Beech Tree Trail.
30) Eno River State Park – Fews Ford Access Picnic Shelter, Durham, NC 2-3:30PM (Piedmont)
Activity Level: Choose from a 2 or 4-mile hike
Browse Eno River Apparel, Decor, Phone Cases and More
Step into the New Year with a hop, skip, and a guided hike along the Eno River!
Choose between a 2-mile or 4-mile adventure led by the fantastic folks from Eno River State Park and the Eno River Association.
Cap it off with cozy hot cocoa at the picnic shelter.
Lace up those hiking boots, bring your water bottle and join the fun – meet at the Fews Ford Access parking loop 30 minutes early and follow parking tips from the friendly park staff. Stride into 2024 with a healthy connection to nature!
31) Jones Lake State Park – Visitors Center, Elizabethtown, NC 2-3PM (Coastal)
Activity Level: Easy
Browse Jones Lake Apparel, Decor, Phone Cases & More
Kick off 2024 with a nature adventure!
Join a fun guided hike around a Carolina bay lake, exploring the unique flora and fauna along the easy 1-mile Cedar Loop Trail.
Meet your guide and other First Day hikers at the visitor center at 2PM for a fantastic start to the year!
32) Kerr Lake State Recreation Area – Satterwhite Point Access, Henderson, NC 2-3PM (Piedmont)
Activity Level: Easy
Browse Kerr Lake Apparel, Decor, Phone Cases, Stickers & More
Start your New Year off led by meeting a ranger at the visitor center at 2PM to go on an easy 1-mile hike.
33) Mayo River State Park – Mayo Mountain Access, Mayodan, NC 2-4PM (Piedmont)
Browse Mayo River Apparel, Decor, Bags, Phone Cases & More
Cost: Free. Registration is not required, but they would appreciate a call to let them know if you plan on attending to get an accurate head count (336)427-2530
Join the excitement at Mayo River State Park for a double dose of adventure!
It’s not just any first day hike – it’s the grand opening of the fabulous Fox Trail.
Lace up for a 2-mile stroll filled with fun. No need to RSVP, but if you’re game, give them a call at (336) 427-2530 so they can get a head count.
Kick off the new trail and the New Year in style!
34) New River State Park – US 221 Acces Visitor Center, Laurel Springs, NC2-3PM (Mountains)
Activity Level: Moderately difficult
Join a ranger at the U.S. 221 Access visitor center for a adventure for a 2-mile adventure on Hickory Trail.
It’s a bit of a workout, so dress cozy and bring water— kick off the year with nature and good vibes!
35) Singletary Lake State Park, Kelly, NC 2-3PM (Coastal)
Browse Singletary Lake Apparel, Decor, Bags & More
Start 2024 on a fun 1-mile stroll with a friendly ranger!
Discover the wonders of the Carolina Bay, spot critter tracks, and enjoy learning about the Carolina Bay ecosystem.
Gather at the Education Building at 2PM to track down this wild adventure!
36) Rendevous Mountain – Park Office, Purlear, NC 2-3PM (Mountains)
Browse Rendezvous Mountain Shirts, Hoodies & T-shirts
Join the First Day group at Rendezvous Mountain for a fun First Day Hike!
A ranger will lead a 1-mile stroll through the charming mixed hardwood forest, spilling juicy tidbits about the mountain’s history.
Rendezvous at the park office at 2PM.
37) Raven Rock State Park – Picnic Shelter, Lillington 9-10AM (Coastal)
Browse Raven Rock Apparel, Bags, Decor & More
Meet a park ranger at the picnic shelter at 9AM for a nature hike.
Wishing you happy hiking and a very happy New Year!
