Guided hikes are designed for various ages and abilities

Start the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike at a West Virginia state park or state natural area. These free guided hikes, held annually on January 1, are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the area’s natural beauty while learning about park history and wildlife. Participants will receive a West Virginia State Park First Day Hike patch.

First Day Hikes – January 1, 2024

Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. Bring water and a snack. Trekking poles or a walking stick are helpful but not required. First Day hikers should arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the hike so the hike can get started promptly at the scheduled time. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. For specific questions about a hike, please contact the park where it is being held.

Blackwater Falls State Park

January 1 is a great day to visit Blackwater Falls State Park, braving the elements whatever the weather may be, and participate in a First Day Hike.

Naturalist Paulita Cousin invites you to join her in the lobby of Blackwater Falls lodge at 10:30 a.m. on January 1, 2024. This year’s hike is a stroll along portions of three Blackwater’s trails exploring the forest. There will be short interpretive stops along the way.

Leashed dogs are welcome. Please, dress for the weather and wear closed toe shoes. Packing bottled water is recommended. Hiking sticks for walking uneven terrain and muddy areas at your discretion, but encouraged. “We’ll hike about 2 miles or about 90 minutes.

The Smokehouse Restaurant is available in Blackwater Falls Lodge for an early breakfast or after-walk lunch. The naturalist recommends the pizza ‘because it is really good.’

This program qualifies for the West Virginia State Parks First Day Hiking Patch and Young People for Parks program activity.

Bluestone State Park

January 1 is a great day to visit Bluestone State Park and participate in a First Day Hike.

Naturalist and educator Jonathan Lipscomb invites you to join him and other park folks. “As the new year gets closer, we’ll add information about where to meet, what time and some trail information.”

Participants can plan on being outdoors for a minimum of an hour or more. Bundle up or layer for the weather and wear good hiking boots. Consider packing a snack or water. In the event of inclement weather the hike will be shortened accordingly. “We’ll pace ourselves to enjoy the hike and our first day of 2024.”

Cacapon Resort State Park

Take your first step into the New Year with a hike at Cacapon Resort State Park

Naturalists Valerie Chaney and Allen Miller, and volunteers will be with you to embrace the new year on a brisk wintry walk, January 1, 2024. The annual hike starts at 10:00 a.m. and will meet at the nature center to organize.

Sturdy shoes/boots are required and please dress appropriately for weather conditions; it can be bitter cold but worth the effort. Please, carry water and a snack. Plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to start time.

There is no charge to go on the hike. Participants receive a First Day Hike patch at completion. Email the naturalist at valerie.l.chaney@wv.gov for greater details.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

It may be a brisk January 1, 2024 at Cass but it doesn’t stop hikers from embracing a First Day Hike. Participants will gather at the Cass Company Store to organize and set foot for an out and back hike on the Greenbrier River Trail beginning from the Cass terminus at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.

Naturalist and history interpreter Jaime Shearer says: ‘As 2024 approaches, we’ll add more detail to our First Day Hike. If you need more information about The Town of Cass and our town activities feel free to email me at jaimie.l.shearer@wv.gov.”

This First Day Hike will be mostly flat walking. Please wear sturdy winter footwear and clothing. Hike will be led by Park Naturalist Jaimie Shearer and volunteers. The hike is open to the public and fee free. Individuals planning to participate in a First Day Hike should arrive at least 10 or more minutes before the starting time.

Cedar Creek State Park

This First Day Hike on January 1, 2024 is doable for all ages and skill levels. Allow about an hour of time to be outdoors. There is no charge to participate. Folks completing the hike receive a First Day Hike patch. Folks interested can call Cedar Creek State Park at 304-462-8517 for more information.

Kanawha State Forest

Step out in 2024 at Kanawha State Forest for a First Day Hike on Monday, January 1.
Multiple hikes are planned. Hikes typically begin at 1:00 p.m., however, as start locations and trail use are determined, we’ll post those details as the new year approaches.

First Day Hikes are open to the public and at no cost. Children are welcome but must bring an adult with them on the hike. Leashed and well behaved furry friends may be welcomed. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.

Tygart Lake State Park

A hike on the School Bus Loop Trail on January 1, 2024 gets attendees up and moving into the new year. Join naturalist Jacob Jackson at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024 for the annual First Day Hike at Tygart Lake State Park. Meet at the Campground.

The hike is about two miles round trip and should conclude on or before noon. Arrival to the campground 10 or so minutes prior to the hike is encouraged. Jackson says to dress for the weather and wear sturdy boots or hiking shoes. If you have or use a walking stick or poles it doesn’t hurt to bring them along.

The First Day Hike is open to the public and at no cost. Children are welcome but must bring an adult with them on the hike. Leashed and well behaved furry friends are also welcome.

Find events and reserve lodging

Complete details for each hike, start time and location are posted at West Virginia State Parks. Click on “Events” and then “Calendar” and scroll down to view upcoming events.

Ring in the New Year at a West Virginia state park or forest. Book your Almost Heaven getaway today!