First Day Hikes at Red Top Mountain State Park & Around Georgia



First Day Hikes Start the Year Off Right!

First Day Hikes Start the Year Off Right!

Let’s start the New Year in a healthy way!  Let’s hit the trails at Georgia’s state parks and join fun folks on a First Day Hike!  Every one of our 40+ state parks has something special planned.

If we start 2014 with healthy new habits, we have a better chance of going for a First Day hike in 2015.

First Day Hikes in Georgia

First Day Hike at Red Top

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 8:30 AM to 10 AM
  • Also held on Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 9 AM to 11 AM
  • Sweetgum Trail Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville, GA
  • Join us for a Ranger-led hike to help get your New Year’s resolution of to a good start. Site Manager Daniel Hill will be leading a hike on the White Tail Trail, which is easy to moderate and one mile in length (round trip). Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Meet at the trailhead in the Park Office parking lot.
  • $5 parking. 770-975-0055.

A.H. Stephens First Day Hike

  • Jan 1, 2014 11 AM to 1 PM A.H.
  • Stephens Historic Park – Crawfordville, GA
  • We will identify plants, animals and historic structures as you start the New Year with a healthy hike.
  • $5 parking. 706-456-2602.

Chattahoochee Bend First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 2 PM
  • Chattahoochee Bend State Park – Newnan, GA
  • Be the first to hike along the Chattahoochee in 2014. The 2-mile, easy guided hike will start at the boat ramp following the river through old growth forest to the lookout tower. Comfortable shoes and appropriate dress. All ages.
  • $5 parking. 770-254-7271.

First Day Hike at Cloudland Canyon

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 10 AM to 12 PM
  • Cloudland Canyon State Park – Rising Fawn, GA
  • Start the New Year off right with a fun and easy hike.
  • $5 parking. 706-657-4050.

Crooked River’s First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 1 PM to 3 PM
  • Crooked River State Park – St. Marys, GA
  • Meet at the Nature Center for a walk on the Bay Boardwalk trail. Vistas include wetland habitats plus our unique longleaf pine/saw palmetto ecosystem. Enjoy the great outdoors, camaraderie on the trail plus party hats.
  • $2 plus $5 parking. 912-882-5256.

First Day Hike on Lake Lanier

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 11 AM to 1 PM
  • Don Carter State Park – Gainesville, GA
  • Join a ranger as we explore a beautiful backcountry area of the park before the trail is built. Our 2 mile cross country adventure will follow old road beds, ridges, hills and valleys. Moderate to strenuous.
  • Call the Visitor Center to reserve a spot. Limited to 15 hikers.
  • $5 plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726.

Elijah Clark’s First-Day Fitness Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 1 PM to 2 PM
  • Elijah Clark State Park – Lincolnton, GA
  • Join us for a hike along our 3-mile trail lead by one of the rangers.
  • $5 parking. 706-359-3458.

Etowah Indian Mounds First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 9:30 AM
  • Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville, GA
  • Start the New Year with a guided hike around the ancient Etowah Mounds.
  • $1-$5.50 770-387-3747.

First Day Hike at F. D. Roosevelt

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 1 PM to 4 PM
  • F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain, GA
  • Bring the family and explore the woodlands along the Overlook Loop Trail with guides from Pine Mountain Trail Association. This 3.4-mile moderate trail will begin at the Country Store on Highway 190 and Highway 27. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.
  • $5 parking. 706-663-4858.

First Day to a 5K at Fort King George

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 10 AM to 12 PM
  • Fort King George Historic Site – Darien, GA
  • Come take the 1st step toward accomplishing your first 5K run. A coach will teach you weekly strategies to get you to where you can run a complete 5K without stopping. Your fist run will take place on January 1st and will involve interval training. It will take place through a marsh ecosystem and end at the fort.
  • $7.00 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $4.00 for youth.  912-437-4770.

Fort McAllister’s First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 1 PM to 3 PM
  • Fort McAllister Historic Park – Richmond Hill, GA
  • Come take a leisurely stroll through the woods with us on our 3 mile loop trail as we walk and talk about the winter wildlife in the maritime forests and marshlands of the Georgia Coast. From the chirping in the trees to the rustles in the woods, we’ll explore the wild side of Fort McAllister State Historic Park with a focus on the birds of winter.
  • $5 parking. 912-727-2339.

Black Bear Plunge & First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 11 AM
  • Fort Mountain State Park – Chatsworth, GA
  • Start your year off right by joining us at 11 AM for the Black Bear Plunge into Fort Mountain Lake, then at 12 PM the Park Naturalist will lead a guided first day hike around the lake. Registration & fee are required for the plunge.
  • $5 parking. 706-422-1932.

First Day Hike at General Coffee State Park

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 10 AM to 11 AM
  • General Coffee State Park – Nicholls, GA
  • Join a park ranger for a hike around the Heritage Farm Pond, and get a good start on your New Year’s fitness resolution. Hike will be an easy 0.5 mile loop. We will discuss the history of the park and the Heritage Farm.
  • $5 parking. 912-384-7082.

First-Day Hike at Gordonia-Alatamaha

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Gordonia-Alatamaha State Park – Reidsville, GA
  • Start your New Year off right by getting outdoors and taking a guided hike. Our Nature Trail is a 1 mile loop that is moderate in duration.
  • $5 parking. 912-557-7744.

First Day Hike on Lake Brantley Trail

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 2 PM to 5 PM
  • Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
  • Take this guided hike on the Lake Brantley Horse Trail and exercise off those holiday pounds. Bring a camera to record the scenery of Lake Brantley, rolling woodlands, and cascading creeks. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the walk. Meet at the Park Office/Trading Post.
  • $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

New Moon/New Year Wagon Ride

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 8 PM to 9 PM
  • Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge, GA
  • Celebrate the New Year on a night when there is a “new” moon. This means the sky will be great for star gazing on this night time wagon ride, and we will see many great winter constellations.
  • $5 plus $5 parking. 706-557-3001.

High Falls First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 10 AM to 12 PM
  • High Falls State Park – Jackson, GA
  • This staff-led 3.5-mile moderate hike will take you past several scenic and historic sites including the falls, the old powerhouse, and through a mixed pine/hardwood forest. You will learn about the park history and the local ecology. Meet at the park office, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and a snack.
  • $5 plus $5 parking. 478-993-3053.

First Day Hike at Indian Springs

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 11 AM to 1 PM
  • Indian Springs State Park – Flovilla, GA Get back to nature for the new year with a guided tour through our beautiful park. Wear comfortable shoes, appropriate clothes and bring water. All ages welcome.
  • $5 parking. 770-504-2277.

First Day Hike at James H. Floyd

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 2 PM
  • James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park – Summerville, GA
  • Start your New Year off right with a Ranger led hike (1 & 1/2 Miles) around the Lower Lake to view Flora and Fauna that call James H. Floyd State Park home. Participants will see one of the best views found in the park; as well as, getting a bit of history. This hike is good for all ages and the difficulty is easy.
  • $5 parking. 706-857-0826.

Kolomoki Mounds First Day Night Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 6 PM to 8 PM
  • Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park – Blakely, GA
  • Celebrate the new year with a special night hike on White Oak Trail. The hike will be 1.5 miles, and conclude with a climb to the top of the Temple Mound with a rare program led by Ranger Jonathan. S’mores and hot drinks will be provided. Meet at Group Shelter 2. Warm Clothes, flashlights, and excitement for 2014 are recommended.
  • $3 per person, $5 parking. 229-724-2150.

Laura S. Walker First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 10 AM
  • Laura S. Walker State Park – Waycross, GA
  • Come join us for a 1.3 mile ranger-led nature hike along our beautiful Big Creek Nature Trail. We will see and discuss flora and fauna that are native to our area while getting fit for the New Year.
  • $5 parking. 912-287-4900.

Panola Mountain’s First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 2 PM
  • Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge, GA
  • Make a fresh start on the New Year. Join a park ranger on a journey by writing out, then burning, last year’s burdens. Hike to the top of the mountain picturing all the great things you will accomplish in 2014. Finish around a campfire sharing hot chocolate and plans for the New Year. Register in advance.
  • $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801.

Providence Canyon First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 10 AM to 12 PM
  • Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area – Lumpkin, GA
  • Meet at the visitor’s center and enjoy a hike into beautiful Providence Canyon. Learn the history of how the canyons were formed. Wear appropriate shoes and bring water.
  • $5 plus $5 parking. 229-838-4706.

First Day Hike at Red Top

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 8:30 AM to 10 AM
  • Also held on Saturday, Jan 4, 2014 9 AM to 11 AM
  • Sweetgum Trail Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville, GA
  • Join us for a Ranger-led hike to help get your New Year’s resolution of to a good start. Site Manager Daniel Hill will be leading a hike on the White Tail Trail, which is easy to moderate and one mile in length (round trip). Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Meet at the trailhead in the Park Office parking lot.
  • $5 parking. 770-975-0055.

Reed Bingham’s First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 to Thursday, Jan 2, 2014 12 PM to 2 AM
  • Reed Bingham State Park – Adel, GA
  • There will be two hikes: a gentle hike along our upland loop trail from 12pm to 12:30pm. Then a more advanced hike of about 2.5 miles along our Little River and Birdwalk trail from 1pm – 3pm. Both will be of mild difficulty with mostly flat terrain.
  • $5 parking. 229-896-3551.

First Day Hike on Lake Russell

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 9 AM to 11 AM
  • Richard B. Russell State Park – Elberton, GA
  • Welcome in 2014 with a hike along the Blackwell Bridge Nature Trail. Enjoy views of Lake Richard B. Russell and possible deer and turkey sightings. The 1.4 mile hike will last from 60 to 90 minutes.
  • $5 parking. 706-213-2045.

First Day Fitness Challenge

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 10 AM Seminole State Park – Donalsonville, GA
  • Kick off the New Year with Seminole’s First Day Fitness Challenge. Purchase your First Day Fitness game board in the park office for $5. Complete each of the 4 listed tasks and receive 25% off your next camping trip at Seminole State Park.
  • $5 plus $5 parking. 229-861-3137.

Skidaway Island First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 2 PM
  • Skidaway Island State Park – Savannah, GA
  • Take a guided tour of the marsh through our Sandpiper Trail with a park ranger. Plan for about an hour on this one mile hike, where you will learn about life in a Georgia marsh. Please dress in comfortable clothing.
  • $5 parking. 912-598-2300.

First Day Hike at Smithgall Woods

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 2 PM to 4 PM
  • Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen, GA
  • Take your first hike of the year at Smithgall Woods near Helen. Hike a moderate 1.3 miles on flat roadway to Smithgall’s beautiful cottages, where hot cider will be waiting. Learn more about Charlie Smithgall whose generosity made this park possible.
  • $5 parking. 706-878-3087.

Okefenokee Swamp First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 8:30 AM
  • Stephen C. Foster State Park – Fargo, GA
  • Meet at the park office for a hike on our 3/4 mile Trembling Earth Nature Trail. This hike will take you on our boardwalk through a mixed cypress and blackgum forest. On the way we will be on the lookout for the wildlife that inhabit the area, as well as some of the unique plant life.
  • $2 plus $5 parking. 912-637-5274.

Sweetwater Creek’s First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 11 AM to 1 PM
  • Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs, GA
  • Join us for a two hour, moderate hike focusing on the first inhabitants of our area, the Native Americans or American Indians, as we explore the eastside which includes a trip to the “Indian Cave.”
  • $5 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.

Tallulah Gorge First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 10 AM to 1 PM
  • Tallulah Gorge State Park – Tallulah Falls, GA
  • Start the year right with a beautiful hike. The hike is a moderate 2 miles and will take you to areas at the gorge that are not normally open to the public. The hike will give you views of waterfalls and the gorge from a different perspective. bring food and water and sturdy hiking shoes. Children must be 8 years or older and no pets. space is limited signup in advance.
  • $5 per person $5 parking. 706-754-7981.

Tugaloo First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 10 AM to 11 AM
  • Tugaloo State Park – Lavonia, GA
  • Enjoy a short hike along a short stretch of the beautiful Lake Hartwell shoreline on the Muscadine Trail.
  • $5 parking. 706-356-4362.

First Day Hike at Victoria Bryant

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 10 AM to 11 AM
  • Victoria Bryant State Park – Royston, GA
  • Meet at the office for a Ranger led hike on our scenic Victoria’s Path trail. This trail follows along Rice Creek which runs through the middle of the park. This trail is fairly easy walking but closed toe shoes are recommended.
  • $5 parking. 706-245-6270.

First Day Hike at Vogel

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 9 AM to 1 PM
  • Vogel State Park – Blairsville, GA
  • Join us to celebrate the New Year with a healthy and moderate hike on the beautiful “Bear Hair Gap Trail” in one of Georgia’s favorite state parks. Please dress for the weather with layered clothing, sturdy shoes or hiking boots, a hat, water, hiking stick, snacks, and a trail lunch if desired.
  • $5 parking. 706-745-2628.

Watson Mill First Day Hike

  • Wednesday, Jan 1, 2014 10 AM to 11 AM
  • Watson Mill Bridge State Park – Comer, GA
  • Join the park ranger for a hike and history lesson about Georgia’s longest covered bridge.
  • $5 parking. 706-245-6270.

First Day Hike Event

  • Thursday, Jan 2, 2014 10 AM to 11:30 AM
  • Wormsloe Historic Site – Savannah, GA
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, no open toe shoes. Hike to the Civil War earthworks of Battery Wimberly. Guided hike with site history.
  • $10/adult, $9 Military/Seniors, $4.50/Child
  • Group discounts available. 912-353-3023.

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