First Day Hikes In FL: Find A State Park To Visit On Jan. 1, 2024

FLORIDA — Shake off your Christmas cookies and hit Florida's trails New Year's Day as part of the nationwide initiative First Day Hike. Led by America's State Parks, all 50 states are encouraged to offer outdoor hiking opportunities on the first day of the new year.

Florida State Parks has put together a list of where you can go on Jan. 1 — there are 175 state parks across the state.

"For many, a new year is a chance to reconnect with nature and commit to spending more time outdoors in the months ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned park veteran or just finding us for the first time, there’s no better way to kick off a new year than with a First Day Hike," the agency said.

Organized in state parks across the country, thousands of people participate in First Day Hikes every Jan. 1. Varying from short strolls to longer treks, these hikes offer a variety of ways for people to get outdoors and start the new year on the right foot.

Some state parks offer ranger-guided hikes. But anyone can participate in their own First Day Hike, whether on your own or with family and friends.

For more information contact the Statewide Information Line at (850) 245-2157 or send an email to: FSP.Feedback@FloridaDEP.gov.

Here are some of the locations open for hikers:

Central Florida

• Annual First Day Beach Clean-Up, Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine.
• First Day Hike, Blue Spring State Park, Orange City.
• DeLeon Dunk Pool Plunge, De Leon Springs State Park, De Leon Springs.
• First Day Hike, DeLeon Springs State Park, DeLeon Springs.
• First Day Hike, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach, Flagler Beach.
• First Day Hike, Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Wales.
• First Day Hike, Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka.
• Track Trek with a Ranger, Silver Springs State Park, Ocala.
• First Day Hike, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere.

Southwest Florida

• First Day Hike, Alafia River State Park, Lithia.
• First Day Hike, Collier-Seminole State Park, Naples.
• First Day Hike, Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Bushnell.
• First Day Hikes, Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring.
• First Day Hike, Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin.
• First Day Hike, Myakka River State Park, Sarasota.
• First Day Hike and Scavenger Hunt, Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey.
• First Day Hike, Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, Port Richey.

South Florida

• First Day Hike, Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key.
• First Days Hike, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Hollywood.
• First Day Hike, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West.
• First Day Hike, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, North Palm Beach.
• First Day Hike, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo.

Here are a few tips for hikers:

• Stay on the trail. Wandering off the trail can cause you to become injured or lost.
• Be courteous and observe trail etiquette. Communicate with others as you pass.
• Bring supplies. You’ll need drinking water, insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes to help prevent injury.
• Never feed or touch wildlife. If you encounter wildlife on the trail, keep your distance and back away slowly.

There are two types of hikes available:

• Ranger-led hikes: These hikes will be led by a Park Ranger, have specific start times and many require pre-registration.
• Self-guided hikes: These hikes will be available throughout the weekend, on well marked trails. Park staff and volunteers may be available to get you started but will not be joining you on the hike itself.

There are many other ways to experience state parks in the new year. Biking is a great way to stay active and see the trails — both dirt and paved — that wind through our parks. Some trails allow for horseback riding or bringing a leashed dog to explore with you.

Getting out on the water is always popular, too. State parks offer rivers, lakes and bays that are perfect for paddling. Be sure to grab your fishing rod, as we offer both freshwater and saltwater fishing for anglers of all types.