Health & Fitness

First Day Hikes 2026 In GA: Find A State Park To Visit

First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative to draw people outdoors on New Year's Day 2026. Check out where to hike in Georgia.

Deb Belt's profile picture
Deb Belt, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Work off the holiday sweets and shake off the cabin fever with a hike on Georgia's trails New Year's Day as part of the nationwide First Day Hike initiative.

Georgia’s State Park and Historic Site rangers are offering dozens of guided adventures where you can connect with friends, family and the great outdoors. Choose from a variety of distances and difficulties, from kid-friendly strolls to heart-pumping treks and wheelchair accessible trails.

Hikes are offered Dec. 31 through Jan. 3.

Find out what's happening in Across Georgiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

You’ll go home with a First Day Hikes sticker to commemorate your accomplishment as part of this nationwide movement started by America’s State Parks. Outdoor enthusiasts with mobility impairments can click to learn about our all-terrain wheelchair hikes in 2026.

Join one of the ranger-led first day hikes and receive a free sticker.

Find out what's happening in Across Georgiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Find a full schedule of dozens of hikes online.

Here are three possibilities in metro Atlanta:

  • 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; call the Park Office at 770-389-7801 to register. Ages 10 and up, and no pets are permitted.
  • 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. Meet in the parking lot; call to register.
  • 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.

Here is the complete list of First Day Hikes at Georgia State Parks.

The Explore Georgia site suggests First Day Hikes by region:

Still looking for more? Here is the complete list of First Day Hikes at Georgia State Parks.

When you go, tag your photos with #FirstDayHikes so folks can see where you’ve been.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Across Georgia