Start Your Year Off on the Right Foot With A First Day Hike

Celebrate the New Year by going outside. State parks around West Virginia are offering free, guided hikes on Jan. 1 to encourage starting the year off on the right foot – outdoors. Layer on your hat, boots and a warm jacket and check out these parks:

Blackwater Falls State Park

Take your first step into the New Year with a hike at Blackwater Falls State Park on Jan. 1. This winter walk with interpretive stops will be about 2.5 hours and begins at 10  a.m. Dress for trail and weather conditions. No reservations required for this walk. Carry water and a snack. To learn more, visit WVstateparks.com.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

Embrace the New Year by participating in a guided hike at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Meet at Cass Visitor’s Center at 1 p.m. to set out for a three mile round-trip on a flat, crushed gravel surface. It is easy walking, and you’ll be outdoors for about an hour and a half or a little longer depending upon weather conditions. Wear good walking shoes or boots for winter walking. Hikes are led by Park Interpreter Kailey Gibson-Price. Open to the public and without fee. Hikers receive a First Day patch at the conclusion of the hike.

Tygart Lake State Park

Start the New Year out right and join park naturalist Jacob Jackson at Tygart Lake State Park Lodge at 1 p.m. for a first day of the year hike. This year’s First Day Hike is along the Dogwood Trail and will be about a two mile walk. Plan and dress accordingly. Young children should be accompanied by an adult. All ages welcomed. No reservations required for this walk. Carry water and a snack. To learn more, visit WVstateparks.com. Hikers receive a First Day Hike patch at the conclusion of the activity.

Holly River State Park

Take your first step into the New Year with a hike at Holly River State Park on Jan. 1. Hikers will meet at the Anderson Activity Building. To learn more, visit WVstateparks.com. A First Day Patch is issued to each individual completing the hike.

This post was last updated on March 18, 2022