Texas State Parks break New Year’s Day attendance records More than 8,700 people participated in New Year’s Day events at Texas State Parks
File photo: Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department)
More people stepped into the new year at Texas State Parks this year than ever before, and more people visited state parks in Texas than in any other state.
Texas State Parks is celebrating the start of 2024 with its highest New Year’s Day participation numbers and more events, participants and miles hiked of any state.
“What a pleasant surprise to hear that Texans came in droves to kick off the new year at a Texas State Park,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “We topped the record-setting centennial kickoff numbers of 2023, proving that Texas has made First Day Hikes a family tradition. Thanks to all who joined us, and we look forward to breaking records for a third straight year in 2025!”
Jan. 1, 2024 statistics: 177 events
81 parks
8,729 participants
17,284 miles hiked, biked, swam and paddled
Last year’s record was 8,000 people and 17,190 cumulative miles.
The following state parks in Texas had the highest attendance on Jan. 1:
Pedernales Falls State Park First Day Hike 2024 (Texas State Parks)
Government Canyon First Day Hike 2024-Tails to the Trails 4 (Texas State Parks) Here are 20 state parks within a day’s trip from San Antonio:
Copyright 2024 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
Here’s what the KSAT newsroom listened to in 2025 ▶ 0:56
Here’s what the KSAT newsroom listened to in 2025
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run ▶ 0:32
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio ▶ 1:26
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio
The Running Event kicks off downtown ahead of inaugural San Antonio Marathon_Trim ▶ 1:03
The Running Event kicks off downtown ahead of inaugural San Antonio Marathon_Trim
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community ▶ 1:52
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road ▶ 0:57
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest ▶ 1:03
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest
Road closures to be aware of during the San Antonio Marathon ▶ 1:55
Road closures to be aware of during the San Antonio Marathon
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin ▶ 2:07
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing? ▶ 2:20
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing?
Harlandale ISD teacher arrested, accused of sexual assault of child, SAPD says ▶ 1:05
Harlandale ISD teacher arrested, accused of sexual assault of child, SAPD says
Mother questions circumstances surrounding death of daughter, a Texas A&M student, in Austin ▶ 1:03
Mother questions circumstances surrounding death of daughter, a Texas A&M student, in Austin
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request ▶ 1:13
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID ▶ 0:35
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID
Some UTSA students forced to move dorm rooms as school complies with state’s ‘bathroom bill’ ▶ 1:08
Some UTSA students forced to move dorm rooms as school complies with state’s ‘bathroom bill’
How to share your San Antonio Marathon pics & videos to KSAT Connect ▶ 0:29
How to share your San Antonio Marathon pics & videos to KSAT Connect
How Black Friday can make the economy seem healthier than it is ▶ 1:18
How Black Friday can make the economy seem healthier than it is
Interactive map shows car burglaries at popular San Antonio shopping centers ▶ 0:32
Interactive map shows car burglaries at popular San Antonio shopping centers
Experience San Antonio’s newest drive-thru Christmas light display “The Light Park” at Wolff Stadium ▶ 1:04
Experience San Antonio’s newest drive-thru Christmas light display “The Light Park” at Wolff Stadium
1-on-1 with Colin Allred, candidate for US Senate ▶ 0:41
1-on-1 with Colin Allred, candidate for US Senate
James Talarico shares his favorite things about Texas ▶ 1:48
James Talarico shares his favorite things about Texas
David Elder tries entrees, drinks and desserts at Salsita at the Rim ▶ 1:29
David Elder tries entrees, drinks and desserts at Salsita at the Rim
David Elder tries the Tres Leches Strawberry Matcha Latte from La Panaderia ▶ 0:54
David Elder tries the Tres Leches Strawberry Matcha Latte from La Panaderia
David Elder tries Snow Island in San Antonio ▶ 2:51
David Elder tries Snow Island in San Antonio
Surf & Turf at Sea Island Shrimp House ▶ 0:39
Surf & Turf at Sea Island Shrimp House
Previous photo Next photo