There is one very interesting way to start the new year in Texas

Texas – Texas State Parks are preparing for an exciting beginning with the annual “First Day Hike,” which invites Texans to embrace the great outdoors on New Year’s Day as 2025 approaches. Engaging in a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, paddling, and even polar plunges, this beloved tradition is part of a national endeavor to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.

With over 8,700 participants walking a total 17,284 miles across 177 events last year, Texas achieved new milestones in the number of people and miles traveled during these First Day Hikes. This exceeded past marks established at the 2023 Centennial Celebration.

“Each year, thousands of Texans turn out to a nearby state park to ring in the new year with a First Day Hike and I always look forward to seeing the photos of smiling folks enjoying parks on January 1. Please join us and help Texas State Parks once again become the leader in First Day Hike participation and miles walked for 2025. Hope to see you on the trail,” Rodney Franklin, the director of Texas State Parks, said.

Read also: Frisco announces holiday closures for city offices and facilities during Christmas and New Year

Texas State Parks provide a range of routes to suit all degrees of experience and ability for individuals seeking a way of beginning the new year with resolve and regeneration. There is something for everyone, regardless of your inclination toward a more difficult climb or a relaxing family stroll. By including thorough maps on its website and through the redesigned Texas State Park app, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has made it simple for interested individuals to identify the ideal trail.

“State parks offer an incredible variety of outdoor experiences, showcasing the unique natural and cultural features of each region,” said Lewis Ledford, president and CEO of the National Association of State Park Directors. “Whether you’re trekking through snowy trails in the Rockies or enjoying mild southern breezes, First Day Hikes are the perfect way to start the New Year outdoors and connect with the beauty of our public lands.”

Read also: Rockwall ISD opens nominations for naming new middle school set to open in 2025 in Fate

Especially for parks predicted to be full, visitors intending to engage in these activities are advised to reserve a day pass in advance. One can make reservations by calling their Customer Service Center or using the TPWD website.

Read also: Mesquite ISD donates $28,000 to support Mesquite Police Department’s Santa Cop Program

Furthermore, frequent visitors of Texas State Parks could want to buy the $70 Texas State Parks Pass, which provides year-round free access to every state park, savings on overnight stays, purchases at state park stores, and other benefits. Starting January 1, every renewal or new purchase of the pass will include a special edition decal as a gratitude for helping Texas State Parks.

The TPWD calendar page has a whole list of First Day Hike events. Highlights of the event are a dog-friendly hike at Government Canyon State Natural Area, a guided morning beach walk at Galveston Island State Park, a polar plunge at Balmorhea State Park, and a night walk on New Year’s Eve at Lake Brownwood State Park.

Read also: DFW Airport prepares for record-breaking holiday travel with 4.7 million passengers, new initiatives underway

Join thousands of others this New Year’s Day in walking into 2025 committed to health, happiness, and a connection to the natural world. Texas State Parks are waiting to provide you a unique beginning for your resolutions for the New Year.