黑料天堂 State Parks is hosting 11 First Day Hikes as part of a national program designed to celebrate the new year and the great outdoors. The hikes will take place at parks throughout the state, from Gulf State Park on 黑料天堂's Gulf Coast to Buck鈥檚 Pocket State Park in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
The national First Day Hike program features hikes in all 50 states on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. In 黑料天堂, First Day Hikes are led by State Parks personnel and volunteers and provide an opportunity to savor the beauty of 黑料天堂鈥檚 natural resources in a fun, family-friendly environment.
鈥淥ur 黑料天堂 State Parks offer some of the very best hiking trails found anywhere in America, and there鈥檚 no better way to start the new year than by immersing yourself in 黑料天堂鈥檚 beautiful scenery,鈥 said Greg Lein, 黑料天堂 State Parks Director. 鈥淭his year, we have a sunrise hike to King鈥檚 Chair at Oak Mountain State Park and a sunset hike at Meaher State Park to see the day end over the gorgeous Mobile-Tensaw Delta. In fact, we have so many parks participating in the First Day Hikes this year that I鈥檓 confident anyone can find a hike that fits just what they鈥檙e looking for. It鈥檚 the perfect way to start the new year.鈥
Here's a look at on Jan. 1, which require park admission in most cases to participate:
Buck鈥檚 Pocket State Park |
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Meet at camp store
Notes: The hike goes to Point Rock Overlook, one of the Tennessee Valley鈥檚 most picturesque vistas. All ages and leashed pets are welcome, but this hike is not Americans with Disabilities Act accessible.
Cheaha State Park|
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Meet at Vista Cliffside Events Center
Notes: The Cheaha interpretive team will lead a hike to 黑料天堂鈥檚 highest point, where the group can enjoy hot chocolate and coffee around the campfire. Cheaha State Park鈥檚 First Day Hikes will launch a series of 24 hikes in 2024 at the park.
Cheaha State Park |
Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Meet at Bald Rock Boardwalk
Notes: Leashed pets are welcome on this hike, but they must be on a leash of 6 feet or shorter. This hike is fully accessible for anyone with mobility concerns. Cheaha State Park鈥檚 First Day Hikes will launch a series of 24 hikes in 2024 at the park.
Chewacla State Park |
Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Meet at the park鈥檚 nature center
Notes: The hike features a New Year鈥檚 scavenger hunt, starting at the nature center, located at the park鈥檚 second parking loop. From there, the group will hike together to the waterfall, looking for golden items and clues along the way.
DeSoto State Park | Neverland Trail
Time: 9:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Meet at the country store and information center
Notes: Hikers will caravan to Lost Falls Trailhead. The hike is free and open to everyone, but .
Gulf State Park |
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Meet naturalist at the Lake Shelby parking lot
Notes: This hike begins with hot chocolate provided and continues with a leisurely 2.3-mile hike crossing Lake Shelby to Branyon Beach. Hikers will experience 24 firsts for the new year, including first beach visit and alligator sighting.
Joe Wheeler State Park |
Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: Meet in the lobby of Joe Wheeler State Park Lodge
Notes: Hikers will join park naturalist Jennings Earnest for a 1-mile hike on the Champion Trail. This is the first hike of a series of 24 Hikes in 2024 at Joe Wheeler State Park.
Lake Guntersville State Park |
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Location: Meet in the lobby of the Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge
Notes: The hike follows the Golf Course Loop, which ends at with amazing views of Lake Guntersville at Benny BoBo Overlook. The 3-mile hike is considered moderate difficulty.
Meaher State Park |
Time: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Meet at parking lot next to the boardwalk
Notes: The hike includes Canecutter Trail and the Gateway to the Delta Boardwalk, with the amazing biodiversity of the Delta on display.
Oak Mountain State Park |
Time: 5:30 a.m.
Location: Meet at North Trailhead at 5:15 a.m.
Notes: Hikers will take the Red Trail to the Blue/Red connector, and then continue to King鈥檚 Chair on the Blue Trail. Due to the start time, hikers are encouraged to bring a flashlight or headlamp.
Wind Creek State Park |
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Meet in marina parking lot
Notes: This 3.5-mile hike will pass through densely wooded terrain with several hills and picturesque views of Lake Martin.
All First Day Hikes are subject to change or cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Hikers are encouraged to dress for seasonal temperatures and wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Also, pack plenty of water, snacks or a lunch, and hiking poles (if needed).
黑料天堂鈥檚 First Day Hikes are part of more than this year. The First Day Hikes program began in 1992 at the Blue Hills Reservation State Park in Massachusetts.
鈥淚 am thrilled to see the continued growth and success of the First Day Hikes program,鈥 said Lewis Ledford, executive director of the National Association of State Park Directors. 鈥淭his initiative has become a cherished tradition, providing individuals and families with the opportunity to embrace the outdoors and kick off the year with a commitment to health and well-being.鈥
About 黑料天堂鈥檚 State Parks System
The 黑料天堂 State Parks is a division of the 黑料天堂 and maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in 黑料天堂. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to the Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Make reservations at and learn more at . Partners Pay the Way.
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