SAN ANTONIO – Want to start the New Year off with a fresh start?
Starting on Wednesday night, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is hosting its annual First Day Hike at a Texas State Park.
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The tradition is a nationwide program designed to encourage hiking for people of all ages and experience levels, TPWD said in a press release.
“Each year, Texas leads the nation as thousands of Texans turn out to a nearby state park to ring in the new year and celebrate with a First Day Hike,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “I always look forward to seeing the photos of smiling folks enjoying parks on January 1, and this New Year’s Day is extra special as we also ring in America’s 250th birthday. Hope to see you on the trail!”
Each trail varies in length and difficulty, allowing for both family-friendly strolls and experienced hikers to participate.
Events such as bike rides, self-guided and ranger-guided walks, paddling trips and polar plunges will be part of the fun.
Want to know where to start? Here are some parks that are not too far from the Alamo City:
- Bastrop State Park: Bastrop
- Blanco State Park: Blanco
- Choke Canyon State Park: Calliham
- Colorado Bend State Park: Bend
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Fredericksburg
- Garner State Park: Concan
- Goose Island State Park: Rockport
- Government Canyon State Natural Area: San Antonio
- Guadalupe River State Park: Spring Branch
- Hill Country State Natural Area: Bandera
- Inks Lake State Park: Burnet
- Lake Corpus Christi State Park: Mathis
- Lockhart State Park: Lockhart
- Lost Maples State Natural Area: Vanderpool
- McKinney Falls State Park: Austin
- Mustang Island State Park: Corpus Christi
- Palmetto State Park: Palmetto
- Pedernales Falls State Park: Johnson City
- South Llano River State Park: Junction
“State parks across the country protect and provide access to the landscapes, stories and places that create the fabric of our country,” says America’s State Parks President Paul McCormack. “As our country starts to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, we invite you to start your year on a First Day Hike enjoying and celebrating our incredible public lands.”
TPWD said the best way to plan your trip is to reserve a day pass in advance, since capacity limits are expected to be hit on Jan. 1.
If you want to visit more than one state park in Texas throughout the year, you can buy a Texas State Park Pass (TSPP) for $70, which will waive entrance fees for passholders and guests in their vehicle for a full year.
The release said passholders also get discounts on overnight reservations, state park store purchases and more.
To get a day pass or TSPP, visit the website or call 512-389-8900 during regular business hours.
Find all First Day Hikes events here and a list of trail maps by going to TPWD’s website.
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