NC State Parks First Day Hikes Across the Great Trails State

North Carolina State Parks and Recreation: The annual nationwide tradition continues on Jan. 1, 2024!

We will have more than 50 staff-led First Day Hikes across the Great Trails State.

“After a few years of smaller First Day Hikes programming, we are excited to offer a wide variety of guided hikes and events at most of our state parks for 2024,” said State Parks Director Brian Strong. “We hope our visitors take the opportunity, as we wrap up the holiday season, to bring family and friends and begin a new year of outdoor adventures together.”

Some highlights:

Goose Creek State Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary as well, so there will be food, music, and demonstrations, in addition to guided hikes.

Mayo River State Park will be opening the brand new Fox Trail at the Mayo Mountain Access! You could be among the first to leave your bootprints on the trail.

Crowders Mountain State Park will be doing its Three Parks,

Two States, One Trail Hike! The 2024 hike will begin at Kings Mountain State Park in South Carolina (admission charged). The Friends of Crowders Mountain will also be leading a separate hike at Boulders Access.
2024 is Year of the Bear at North Carolina State Parks, and a few of our parks will be talking about black bears during the hike!

A few parks are unable to offer guided hikes for 2024 but will still be open for visitors to hike on their own. At Pettigrew, Pilot Mountain, and William B. Umstead state parks, visitors can participate in a self-guided activity during their hike.
Doing your own hike at any state park is a great option for those who wish to avoid large crowds. First Day Hikes can be extremely popular, even at some of our smaller parks, so plan accordingly!

The full list of hikes is available here

Image Credit: WNCTimes