21 Fantastic Hikes to Ring in the New Year
Your guide to Georgia's First Day Hikes and a few you may want to do on your own.
The perfect way to jump start those New Year's resolutions to get in shape and explore Georgia is to participate in a First Day Hike. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide program led by the state parks to encourage people to get outside. Here’s your guide to Georgia’s First Day Hikes and a few you may want to do on your own. When you go, tag your photos with #FirstDayHikes so folks can see where you’ve been.
Black Rock Mountain State Park (Mountain City) - Start the first day of the New Year watching the sunrise from the Blueridge Overlook. Bring your pets for the 0.25 leisurely stroll on the trail to the overlook. Enjoy a warm fire with coffee and hot chocolate after the sunrise.
Fort Mountain State Park (Chatsworth) - Hike down the Big Rock Trail to see rock features and a cascading waterfall. Wear warm clothing and bring water. Preregistration is preferred. Be sure to stick around after the hike for the 12th annual Black Bear Plunge!
Hardman Farm Historic Site (Sautee Nacoochee) - Spend the day on an 11-mile, one-way hike back in time from Anna Ruby Falls to Hardman Farm State Historic Site. This hike includes a shuttle from the farm to Anna Ruby Falls, four aid stations, a swag bag, post-hike meal, tour of the farm and a t-shirt. Tickets are $40.
Smithgall Woods State Park (Helen) - Meet your fellow hikers at the visitor center for a 1.3-mile hike to the park’s primitive cabin. There, by a toasty fire, you can warm yourself against the winter chill. If you are feeling adventurous, you can then continue an additional 1.2 miles to Duke's Creek Falls. Pre-registration is required.
Tallulah Gorge State Park (Tallulah Falls) - Join rangers for a 1.5-mile loop hike to the highest point on the Gorge to reflect on 2023 and greet the New Year. Watch the sun set over the gorge with hot cocoa, s’mores and a toasty campfire. Pencil and Paper will be available to write down what burdened you in 2023 and toss into the fire. Pets and children welcome; strollers are not recommended. Bring a light for the hike back after sunset.
Vogel State Park (Blairsville) - Join this late morning hike on the 4.1-mile Bear Hair Gap trail over the lower ridge of Blood Mountain. Stop along the way at the overlook for a beautiful view. Bring snacks and water. For ages 8 years old and up.
Watson Mill Bridge State Park (Comer) - Hike through the historic bridge to the raceway trail. Learn about the bridge’s construction, and see the Watson Mill ruins. Bring water, and wear sturdy hiking shoes.
Elijah Clark State Park (Lincolnton) - Start the morning with an easy, all-ages 0.75-mile hike on the Hannah Clark Trail with a ranger.
Hard Labor Creek State Park (Rutledge) - Join a ranger-led hike for a 2-mile moderate to rigorous scenic hike along creeks and ridges. The hike is intended for ages 8 and up, and pets are welcome. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required by 5 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2023.
High Falls State Park (Jackson) - Get your heart pumping on a 3-mile hike on the Historic and Tranquility Trail. Pets are welcome.
Indian Springs State Park (Flovilla) - Join a naturalist for a 2-mile sensory hike, and discover ways nature can stimulate your senses. Leashed and friendly dogs are welcome. Preregistration is required by Dec. 31, 2023.
Providence Canyon State Park (Lumpkin) - Welcome the New Year with a 7-mile hike in the morning, and earn a First Day Hike sticker.
Kolomoki Mounds State Park (Blakely) - Start your hike on New Year’s Eve, hike through the dark to the top of the temple mound. Ring in the New Year with s’mores on the top of the tallest mound in the park.
Reed Bingham State Park (Adel) - Join an hour-long, 2-mile hike in the morning on the Bird Walk trail, and learn about some of the wildlife in the park, including the wild tortoise.
Laura S. Walker State Park (Waycross) - Join a guided hike on the Big Creek Nature Trail and hear about the ecosystem and the Keystone species that call it their home.
Crooked River State Park (St. Marys) - Enjoy a ranger-led hike on the Sempervierens Trail. Wear appropriate clothing, and bring water and bug spray.
Fort McAllister State Park (Richmond Hill) - In the morning, join a ranger-led nature hike on a 1-mile trail. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and insect repellent.
Wormsloe State Historic Site (Savannah) - Bring your pets for a 1.5-mile hike down Wormsloe’s incredibly beautiful and historic Live Oak Avenue. Surround yourself with the natural beauty of nearly 400 Southern live oaks along the path.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park (Newnan) - Start the morning with a 2-mile hike on the Riverside Trail, and learn about the different turtles found on the Chattahoochee River. Bring a snack to enjoy at the observation tower.
Panola Mountain State Park (Stockbridge) - Hike to the top of the mountain to symbolize all the great things you will accomplish in 2024. The hike is 3 miles and moderately strenuous. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Ages 10 and up, and no pets are permitted.
Sweetwater Creek State Park (Lithia Springs) - Join an ADA-accessible hike on the White Trail, and explore the unique ecology along the way. The hike is 1.5 miles with mild elevation change. Preregistration is preferred.
Still looking for more? Here is the complete list of First Day Hikes at Georgia State Parks.