If you're looking for a great way to ring in the New Year, your favorite Virginia State Park can help. Visit one of the 38 Virginia State Parks and participate in a 2020 First Day Hike. Hiking is a fun way for families to enjoy being outdoors together. Jan. 1 is a fee-free day at all of the Virginia State Parks.
See information at the end of the article for two Virginia State Park First Day Hike contests.
First Day Hikes at Virginia State Parks near Lynchburg
High Bridge Trail State Park Hikes (Farmville)
High Bridge Trail State Park First Day Doggy Hike, 11 AM - 12:30 PM, meet at Camp Paradise Parking Area
Make a New Years Resolution to spend more time with the family pet(s) at Virginia State Parks this year. Why not start with High Bridge Trail. As part of our First Day Hike activities, bring your four-legged friend and celebrate the new year by taking a mile hike under the iconic High Bridge and along the banks of the Appomattox River. Dog treats will be given to all dogs that attend this free event.
Please note that all pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Leashes will be available for sale at the merchandise trailer along with other mobile pet products such as collapsible water bowls. Please clean up after your dog. There is a doggie bag station located at Camp Paradise for your convenience.
High Bridge Trail State Park First Day Hike, 1 PM - 3 PM, meet at Camp Paradise Parking Area
Join us at High Bridge for a hike to the Appomattox River and under High Bridge. We will begin in the Camp Paradise parking lot and walk to one of four earthen fortifications guarding High Bridge. The trail meanders through the fort where a cannon is on display, then makes its way to the Appomattox River and under High Bridge. Hear and remember the stories of the past as we step forward into 2020. Following the hike will be a time for questions about the past or future of High Bridge Trail State Park. Bring water and wear appropriate shoes and clothing. Terrain for this hike is not suitable for strollers. At the same time, an alternate hike will be available, for those who have mobility issues, crossing High Bridge and back, all on level easy ground. The Friends of High Bridge Trail will be present with refreshments.
Holliday Lake State Park (Appomattox)
The Ground Beneath Our Feet 10 AM at Shelter #2
At 10 a.m. we'll discover the park's ancient history through its rocks. They reveal a past time of shallow inland seas and exploding volcanic island arcs. This hike is about a 1 mile round trip on moderate terrain using sections of Lakeshore Trail and Northridge Trail and will last approximately an hour.
Around the Lake 1 PM at Shelter #2
At 1 p.m. this guided hike around Lakeshore Trail will include stops at Northridge Overlook, Holliday Creek, and the famous 50 foot tall Holliday Lake Dam. This nearly 7 mile trip is on moderate to sometimes difficult terrain and will last almost three hours. This program is offered, weather permitting, and recommended for children 12 years of age or older. Comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, trail snacks, and weather-appropriate clothes are recommended for both hikes.
James River State Park (Gladstone)
James River State Park First Day Hike 1 PM
Bring in the new year by joining us on a guided hike. First Day Hikes are being offered in state parks nation-wide to promote healthy lifestyles, and we're excited to be a part of this goal. We will hike our way up to the Tye Overlook. We'll discuss nature and history as we go. Make sure to bring your camera for pictures at the overlook. The round trip will be approximately 1.5 miles on a portion of Cabell Trail, with the first half being uphill to keep us warm, but the return trip is all downhill. After our hike, we'll spend a while in the Visitor's Center to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or warm apple cider. Parking fees are waived for the day. The first 100 visitors will receive a First Day Hikes bumper sticker.
Natural Bridge State Park (Natural Bridge)
Legends of Natural Bridge: At 11 a.m., join a ranger led walk underneath the Natural Bridge itself. The colossal arch has captured the imaginations of generations of visitors and inspired countless works of art, and it's popularity has perpetuated many legends of varying veracity. On this walk, learn about the formation of the bridge, hear some of those stories, and learn from a ranger the truth behind some of these legends. Sturdy footwear is advised. Meets at the Cedar Creek Cafe on Cedar Creek Trail.
Ages of Appalachia: At 2 p.m., explore Buck Hill Trail with a ranger as we discuss the changing nature of the landscape. For years, life in the mountains was linked directly to the health of the land around you. From the quasi extinction of the American Chestnut to the eradication of the Red Wolf, humans have shaped and been shaped by the ecology of the mountains. We'll discuss how these changes affected previous generations, and what they mean to us now as the current stewards. Meets at Buck Hill Trailhead near the caverns. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park (Huddleston)
Looking for a way to keep those New Year's resolutions? We'll help you start the year off right as you walk off a few of those holiday calories. Explore our trails. Hike on your own or choose our ranger-guided hike:
Walton Creek/Striper Cove Trail (1 PM) - Enjoy winter views of Walton Creek, then follow the Whitetail Path connector trail to Striper Cove Trail. Here we'll pass through a newly created wildlife opening and see signs of early forest succession. The ranger will lead you on a scavenger hunt to discover winter's hidden secrets in nature. This hike is approximately 1.5 miles and is rated as moderate.This is a sun or snow event - dress for weather, wear proper footwear, and bring water. Optional: hiking staff, binoculars, and camera. Well-behaved dogs are welcome and must be leashed at all times. These trails are not appropriate for strollers.After the hike, please join us at the Discovery Center for hot cocoa and treats. To encourage everyone to get out to the park, parking fees are waived for the day. The first 150 visitors will receive a First Day Hikes bumper sticker.
Check out the list of all Virginia State Park First Day Hikes
Our Virginia State Parks have sweetened the pot with two contests.
First Day Hike New Year Challenge
Whether you take part in a guided hike or create your own adventure, use the online tool to register before December 31, 2018 to participate in the First Day Hike New Year Challenge for a chance to win a prize. After your hike, visit the same website before midnight on January 1, 2019 to acknowledge that you completed your hike. Prizes include:
Grand Prize: $500 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate
First Prize: $250 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate
Second Prize: $100 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate
Second Prize: 10,000 Virginia State Parks Loyalty Points
Photo Contest
Take a photo on New Year's Day while on your Virginia State Park First Day Hike, then upload your photo to the contest site before 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 1. You can enter up to three photos in the contest. You can read the rules of the contest on the Virginia State Parks website. Winners will be chosen by the Virginia State Park marketing staff. Prizes for the photo contest include:
Grand Prize: $500 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate
First Prize: $250 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate
Second Prize: $100 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate
Third Prize: $75 Virginia State Parks Gift Certificate
Make a New Year's resolution to enjoy more family time outdoors, then start 2020 on the right foot while making memories on a Virginia State Park First Day Hike.
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