Rangers will lead more than 45 guided hikes at North Carolina State Parks across the state as part of the New Year’s Day tradition of First Day Hikes. All state parks will be open January 1, 2020, but the scheduled hikes will feature educational programs led by park rangers along the way, a news release says.
The First Day Hike tradition dates back more than 40 years in the N.C. State Parks to a New Year’s Day hike at Eno River State Park, which does not have a hike scheduled this year.
First Day Hikes are sponsored nationally by America’s State Parks, which says, “Last year nearly 55,000 people rang in the New Year, collectively hiking over 133,000 miles throughout the country on the guided hikes. Numerous others hiked state park trails throughout the day.” It says state parks systems in all 50 states are participating on New Year’s Day 2020.
Start the New Year by joining a ranger-led First Day Hike to the peak of Hanging Rock (above) or one of more than 40 other hikes in the N.C. State Parks on New Year’s Day. Hanging Rock is also hosting a “Polar Plunge” at the park’s lake on New Year’s Day afternoon. See our profile of Hanging Rock State Park.
N.C. State Parks’ New Year’s Day Hikes
The State Parks news release suggests, “learn about beavers on a hike at Lake Norman, meet the world’s oldest longleaf pine at Weymouth Woods, or hike along the Pamlico River and watch wintering waterfowl at Goose Creek. Follow up a strenuous hike at rugged Gorges State Park with hot chocolate and cookies, or take a 5.2 mile hike to Chestnut Knob at South Mountains.”
Among the other First Day Hikes planned across North Carolina are guided walks at:
- Fort Macon State Park at Atlantic Beach – 3.3 miles on the Elliott Coues Trail and a 0.75-mile nature hike on the Yarrow’s Loop Trail and inlet beach. Both start at 9 a.m. at the visitor center.
- Singletary Lake State Park in Kelly near Elizabethtown – Easy 1-mile loop hike to see the Carolina Bay at sunset. Meet at the CCC Statue at Camp Ipecac at 4 p.m.
- Carvers Creek State Park in Spring Lake – Three hikes to choose from: 3-mile history hike through the areas not yet open to the public and a 1-mile kids’ hike at the Long Valley Access in Spring Lake, and a a 3.5-mile nature hike from the Sandhills Access located at 995 McCloskey Road, Fayetteville. Both start at 10 a.m.
- William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh – Ranger Billy says, “We will enjoy one of my favorite hikes where you will enjoy a lakeside trail, the closest thing we have to a waterfall, the old quarry and one of my secret spots below the quarry where the kids used to swim back in the day.” Starts at 9 a.m. at the multi-use parking lot off Glenwood Avenue (Crabtree side).
- Jordan Lake State Recreation Area near Apex – 2.7-mile challenging hike on the Blue Loop Trail at New Hope Overlook. Meet at 10 a.m. at the trailhead near the boat ramps.
- Morrow Mountain State Park near Troy – 0.8-mile hike around the Morrow Mountain Loop Trail. Meet at Shelter A at 10 a.m. Complimentary hot chocolate, treats and water afterward.
- Hanging Rock State Park in Danbury – 1.3-mile hike to the summit of Hanging Rock. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Hanging Rock Trail trailhead in the visitor center parking lot. There’s also a Polar Plunge in the lake at Hanging Rock as part of festivities that include live music, a costume parade and “endless food and beverage consisting of hot dogs, chili, chicken stew, coffee and hot chocolate” for those who take the plunge (and concessions sold to others). Registration ($25 in advance, $35 New Year’s Day) begins at 2 p.m. at the Historic Bathhouse.
- Stone Mountain State Park in Roaring Gap – 3-mile, moderate hike around the Equestrian Loop Trail. Starts 10 a.m. at the horse trailer parking area.
- Elk Knob State Park in Todd – 1-mile hike at 4,600 feet elevation around the Beech Tree Trail. Stop in the park office afterward for hot chocolate or apple cider. Meet at 1 p.m. at the Trailhead Parking Lot.
- Gorges State Park in Sapphire – 0.8-mile strenuous hike to Bearwallow Falls. Friends of Gorges will provide hot chocolate, cookies and s’mores afterward. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Bearwallow Picnic Area.
Check the N.C. State Parks’ First Day Hikes page for additional New Year’s Day hikes.
Hikers should wear boots or sturdy shoes, and dress for the weather. Expect hikes to be cancelled if the weather is bad.
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