CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia state parks will welcome the New Year by inviting residents and visitors to step outside, lace up their boots, and explore the state’s public lands during 24 free, guided First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2026.
Held at 21 state parks and forests across West Virginia, the hikes are part of a nationwide New Year’s Day tradition designed to promote outdoor recreation, healthy lifestyles, and year-round appreciation of public lands.
The program offers options for nearly every age and ability level, from short, paved interpretive walks to longer, more challenging backcountry hikes, according to Dillard Price, acting chief of West Virginia State Parks.
“These annual hikes are one of our favorite traditions because they bring people together to enjoy West Virginia’s natural beauty,” Price said. “Whether you’re setting a new fitness goal or simply want to experience our parks in a different season, First Day Hikes offer a fun and refreshing way to begin the year.”
A Statewide Tradition Rooted in the Outdoors
First Day Hikes are held across all 50 states each year. Still, West Virginia’s program has grown into one of the most diverse in the region, reflecting the state’s varied landscapes, from river gorges and waterfalls to forested ridgelines and historic sites.
This year’s participating locations include Audra, Beech Fork, Blackwater Falls, Bluestone, Cacapon Resort, Canaan Valley Resort, Cass Scenic Railroad, Cedar Creek, Little Beaver, Lost River, North Bend, Pipestem Resort, Tomlinson Run, Tu-Endie-Wei, Twin Falls Resort, Tygart Lake, Valley Falls and Watoga state parks, as well as Coopers Rock, Kanawha and Panther state forests.
Several parks will offer multiple hikes to accommodate different interests and fitness levels. At Cacapon Resort State Park, for example, visitors can choose from a moderate hike to an overlook above Sleepy Creek Valley, an easy walk along Indian Run highlighting early homestead sites, or a short loop behind park cabins originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
At Kanawha State Forest, hikers can choose a longer trek to Castle Rock Overlook via historic CCC-era trails or take a short, paved interpretive walk along Davis Creek that is fully ADA accessible.
From Easy Walks to Challenging Climbs
Distances for the 2026 First Day Hikes range from less than a quarter mile to more than four miles, with difficulty levels clearly marked as easy, moderate, or difficult. Organizers say the goal is not competition, but participation.
Among the easier options are short loops at Little Beaver State Park, Lost River State Park, Tomlinson Run State Park, and Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, where hikers will follow riverfront paths tied to West Virginia history. Many of these walks also incorporate segments of the Mountaineer Mile, a statewide initiative that promotes accessible walking routes in parks and communities.
More experienced hikers can test themselves on steeper terrain at locations such as Panther State Forest, which features a 700-foot elevation gain to a scenic overlook, or Twin Falls Resort State Park, where a single-track trail offers a longer, more demanding route.
Winter scenery is a major draw for several hikes, including outings at Blackwater Falls State Park, where participants will walk to Lindy Point for seasonal views of the Blackwater Canyon, and at Canaan Valley Resort State Park, where a short forest loop follows the Blackwater River through snow-covered lowlands.
History, Nature, and Community
Beyond exercise, many hikes highlight the natural and cultural history of West Virginia’s public lands. At Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, hikers will explore the historic mill works and surrounding river areas that once supported one of the world’s most extensive hardwood lumber operations. At Bluestone State Park, trail routes may vary with lake levels, giving participants a chance to see how weather and water shape the landscape.
At Audra State Park, the Alum Cave Trail leads hikers beneath dramatic rock overhangs and along rocky terrain carved by years of rushing water. At the same time, Valley Falls State Park offers a hike along the Tygart Valley River, including views of historic mill sites and waterfalls.
State Parks officials say the First Day program also serves as a gateway for people who may be new to hiking or unfamiliar with West Virginia’s parks.
“First Day Hikes give people a chance to try something new in a welcoming environment,” Price said. “You’re with a group, you’re guided by knowledgeable staff, and you’re seeing parks at a quieter, more reflective time of year.”
Preparing for Winter Conditions
All First Day Hikes are free, and no advance registration is required. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for winter conditions, wear sturdy, well-treaded footwear, and bring water and snacks.
Weather conditions may vary significantly across parks, particularly in higher-elevation areas such as the Allegheny Mountains.
Park officials note that hikes may be adjusted or shortened if conditions warrant, and recommend checking park websites or social media pages for last-minute updates.
A Growing Role for State Parks
The First Day Hikes program comes as West Virginia State Parks continue to play an expanding role in the state’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy. Parks officials say events like these help reinforce the system’s value not only as recreational assets but also as community gathering places and economic drivers throughout the year.
With New Year’s Day falling on a Thursday in 2026, organizers expect strong participation from both residents and holiday visitors looking for a meaningful way to start the year.
“Beginning the year in a West Virginia state park is a tradition that resonates with people,” Price said. “It’s about health, connection, and appreciation for the natural places that belong to all of us.”
A full schedule of First Day Hikes, including meeting locations, start times, trail descriptions, and difficulty ratings, is available on the West Virginia State Parks website.
About West Virginia State Parks
West Virginia’s state parks and forests are the vacation destination of choice for more than 7 million people each year. Comprising 35 parks, 9 forests, and two rail trails, the West Virginia State Parks system offers endless opportunities for family fun and adventure. Make memories that last forever. Book your adventure at www.wvstateparks.com.
West Virginia State Parks is managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, a division of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.
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