State Parks

Start the New Year with a First Day Hike

Park lovers everywhere are invited to help Texas State Parks begin the big 100th birthday celebration with a First Day Hike. For the first time, almost every state park will host guided and self-guided walks, bike rides, paddling trips and polar plunges on Jan. 1 in honor of the national initiative to get people outdoors.

Last year, 4,440 Texans laced up their hiking shoes and hit the trail for a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park.

This year, events scheduled throughout New Year’s Day are designed to help introduce people of all skill levels to the outdoors for the first time and truly make the experience as easy as a walk in the park.

At Goliad State Park and Historic Site, visitors can walk through history and see the timeline of Mission Espíritu Santo and the state park. The 1.5-mile loop begins at the picnic area at the San Antonio River Trail.

Folks looking to try something new or challenge themselves can take part in the “T.R.Y.athlon” at Tyler State Park. T.R.Y. stands for Trekking, Riding and kaYAKing. (How else were they going to fit in the “Y” in there?) At stations set up around the park, visitors can learn from hiking, biking and ’yaking enthusiasts.

No matter your interest, Texas State Parks offer something for people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy, and they invite all Texans to help kick off the birthday celebration.

Find more information on First Day Hikes at texasstateparks.org.