By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Reporter

To help people kick-off the new year on the right foot, Texas State Parks will host a variety of events, including hikes, polar plunges and paddling trips, Jan. 1.

“First Day Hikes are a national initiative to get people outside on New Year’s Day,” Stephanie Garcia, spokesperson for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), said. “It’s not just limited to walks in the parks. It’s also bike rides and paddling trips, even polar plunges, and it’s all aimed at getting people outdoors.”

This year, the First Day Hikes mark more than just the start of another year. They are the first push into the 100th anniversary of Texas State Parks.

“We’re going to be having a lot of things rolling out throughout 2023 for our 100-year celebration, and this is just the first way we’re kicking off the party,” Garcia said in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network. “With First Day Hikes I know people get a little bit freaked out with the word ‘hike.’ It can really be anything. If you want to take a walk just around a quick trail that’s paved, or if you want to do something a little easier, there’s a whole bunch of different options. It’s really a great opportunity to get outside and really enjoy what the state has to offer.”

Inks Lake State Park will have hiking, biking, running and paddling opportunities.

Martin Dies, Jr. State Park will offer self-guided hikes, biking, canoeing and kayak adventures.

Early risers can get a start on 2023 at Lockhart State Park with a sunrise hike at 7 a.m.

Those who prefer to sleep in may instead opt for the late risers first day hike at 1 p.m. at Abilene State Park.

There are also hikes for birders. One kicks off at 9 a.m. at Lake Whitney State Park. There’s a shorebird tour at Goose Island State Park.

“Across the state we have a bunch of different things. Out on the coast, we have paddling trails, and that counts as a hike. Even though it’s not boots on the ground, it still counts because you’re still tracking miles. At parks like Goliad, you can walk through and see the timeline of the mission that’s there. It’s a 1.5 mile loop, and you can see a lot of things on that nature trail along with mission ground, so there really is something for everyone,” Garcia said.

A calendar of First Day Hikes is available here.

Standard State Park admission is required.

“Kids under 12 do enter free. So, it’ll just be for adult tickets,” Garcia said. “We really recommend, especially with it being our centennial year and especially in some of our more popular parks, everyone reserve a day pass in advance just because they could reach their capacity limit. We want to make sure everyone has a good experience.”

State Park passes may be obtained here or by calling (512) 389-8900.

Trail maps for all Texas State Parks can be found on TPWD’s website, on the official Texas State Park app and individual park webpages.

Last year, just under 4,500 people participated in First Day Hikes. TPWD hopes to surpass that amount this year.