Ring in the New Year by Hiking in Georgia
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 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.
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New Year's Day Hikes in North Georgia
1. James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park (Summerville)
Start at 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and hike 1.2 miles around the Lower Lake. End with sparkling grape juice and hot cocoa around the campfire while counting down to the New Year.
2. Tallulah Gorge State Park (Tallulah Falls)
On New Year’s Eve, hike a 1-mile loop to the highest and most inspiring point at the gorge to reflect on your past year and greet the New Year. Watch the sun set with hot cocoa, s’mores, and a campfire.
3. Don Carter State Park (Gainesville)
Join a ranger to search for your “first bird” of the year. According to tradition, the first bird you see in the new year represents the upcoming 12 months. Pre-registration is required for this pet- and child-friendly hike on an unpaved 0.75-mile trail.
4. Fort Mountain State Park (Chatsworth)
Join this early morning 1.2-mile history hike to view the valley from the West Overlook, learn about the CCC, climb the fire tower, and explore the mysteries of the ancient rock wall.
5. 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 supported hike includes a shuttle from the farm to Anna Ruby Falls, support stops, a swag bag, post-hike meal, tour of the farm, and a t-shirt. Tickets are $40.
6. Smithgall Woods State Park (Helen)
Hike 1.3 miles to a primitive cabin, where you can warm up by the fire and then continue an additional 1.2 miles to Duke’s Creek Falls. Pre-registration is required.
7. Watson Mill Bridge State Park (Comer)
Join this pet-friendly hike through the historic bridge and along the raceway trail past the power plant ruins. Learn about the bridge’s history and see the Watson Mill ruins.
New Year's Day Hikes in Central Georgia
8. A.H. Stephens State Park (Crawfordville)
Join this pet-friendly ranger-led morning 1-mile hike on the Sunset Drive Nature Trail to see historic CCC buildings, the 1935 Fire Tower, and learn about the 478th company.
9. F.D. Roosevelt State Park (Pine Mountain)
Join a park ranger for this hike to Cascade Falls. Experience the sound of rushing water, shady forest paths, and the beauty of the falls. This is a moderate to strenuous 4.2-mile hike for active individuals.
10. Hard Labor Creek State Park (Rutledge)
Join this 1.5-mile, moderate hike on the newly renovated Brantley Trail - intended for families with a member who has a mobility disability. Six (6) Action Track Chairs (ATC) are available with pre-registration, one (1) ATC per family. Call the park office to reserve by December 12, 2025.
11. High Falls State Park (Jackson)
Choose a morning or afternoon hike on the 0.5-mile Historic Trail (ADA) with the option of continuing to the 2.5-mile Tranquility Trail. Enjoy K9 demonstrations and vendors. Black Smoke Coffee and Chick-fil-A will have food available for purchase.
New Year's Day Hikes in South Georgia
12. Kolomoki Mounds State Park (Blakely)
Start your hike on New Year’s Eve at 11:30 p.m. and hike through the dark to the top of the largest platform mound in the Southeastern United States. Ring in the New Year with s’mores in the moonlight.
13. Jack Hill State Park (Reidsville)
Join a ranger-led nature hike on a boardwalk and golf course, and learn about the naturalist William Bartram.
14. Laura S. Walker State Park (Waycross)
Join a guided 1.5-hour hike through the pines and on the boardwalk on the Lake Trail. Pre-register to receive a 1st Day Hike sticker.
New Year's Day Hikes on the Georgia Coast
15. Crooked River State Park (St. Marys)
Start the morning with a hike on the Sempervierens Trail. Wear appropriate clothing, and bring water and bug spray.
16. Fort Morris State Historic Site & Museum (Midway)
Join this guided hike to learn about the daily life of colonial soldiers and Fort Morris’ role in the battle for the nation’s independence.
17. Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation State Historic Site (Brunswick)
Celebrate the arrival of 2026 and the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding with a special New Year’s Eve guided hike beneath centuries-old oaks. At midnight, ring the historic bell and toast with sparkling cider.
18. Skidaway Island State Park (Savannah)
Welcome the new year and the nation’s 250th anniversary at this sunrise 2.5-mile hike through the Skidaway marsh. Celebrate with a commemorative 250th challenge coin, a limited-edition First Day Hike sticker, and a mini American flag to wave as the sun rises.
New Year's Day Hikes in Metro Atlanta
19. Panola Mountain State Park (Stockbridge)
Hike to the top of the mountain to symbolize all the great things you will accomplish in 2026. The hike is 3.5 miles and moderately strenuous. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Ages 10 and up, and no pets are permitted.
20. Red Top Mountain State Park (Acworth)
Start the New Year with an invigorating hike on the Lakeside Trail. Learn about the area’s iron mining history and the park’s natural resources. Pre-registration required.
21. Sweetwater Creek State Park (Lithia Springs)
Join an early morning 3-mile hike to enjoy the sunrise and early morning light on the white and green trails.
Still looking for more? Here is the complete list of First Day Hikes at Georgia State Parks.
