If you're looking for a great way to ring in the New Year, your favorite Virginia State Park can help. Hiking is a fun way for families to enjoy being outdoors together.
Visit one of the 44 Virginia State Parks and participate in a self-guided or ranger-guided 2026 First Day Hike.
Jan. 1 is a fee-free day at all of the Virginia State Parks. According to the website, the admission fee for access to the bridge at Natural Bridge State Park still applies.
Whether you enjoy a hike with your family or participate in a group hike, getting out in nature is a great way to start 2026 off right!
Close to Home First Day Hikes
Click on the links below for more information about each hike. All of these Virginia State Parks are approximately one hour or less from Lynchburg.
Holliday Lake State Park, 2759 State Park Road, Appomattox - Two hikes: Meet at Shelter #1 for both hikes.
9 AM - Northridge Overlook Hike
11 AM - Lakeshore Trail Hike
Natural Bridge State Park, 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge - 9 AM - 11:30 AM - Meet at Buck Hill Trailhead Parking Lot
High Bridge Trail State Park (High Bridge Station Visitor Center), 466 Camp Paradise Road, Rice - Meet at 11 AM at High Bridge Station parking lot (11 AM meeting time for all hikes)
11 AM - 12 PM - High Bridge Hike (this description is for both the High Bridge Hike and the New Trail Section Hike)
11 AM - 12:30 PM - New Trail Section Hike (this hike goes to High Bridge and continues to a new section of the trail)
11 AM - 12 PM - Fido's First Day Hike
James River State Park, 104 Green Hill Drive, Gladstone - 12 PM - 2 PM from Visitor Center - Choose from a Wetlands Hike or a History Hike, followed by a soup luncheon
Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston - Discovering Winter's Hidden Treasures Hike begins at 1:30 PM from boat ramp, followed by hot cocoa and treats at Discovery Cove
There are also lots of ideas for self-guided hikes and activity sheets on the Virginia State Parks website.
There are many other First Day Hikes at the other Virginia State Parks, so it's also a great day to explore somewhere new. You'll find all of the Virginia State Parks First Day Hikes information HERE.
**While nearly all our parks will be free, Natural Bridge State Parks has a per person admission fee for access to the bridge that still applies. The $5 parking fee for trail access outside of the Natural Bridge is waived.**
New Year's Day is a great time to begin (or continue) the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest. You can learn more about Trail Quest here:
Explore Virginia State Parks with the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest
Make a New Year's resolution to enjoy more family time outdoors, then start 2026 on the right foot while making memories on a Virginia State Park First Day Hike.
While you're making resolution, resolve to Find Your Family Fun® in 2026 with Lynchburg Macaroni Kid! It's FREE to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, so click HERE and join the fun!
