First Day Hikes In GA: Find State Parks To Visit Jan. 1

GEORGIA — Take a break from a house full of relatives, work off the Christmas cookies and hit Georgia's trails New Year's Day as part of the nationwide initiative First Day Hike.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has put together a list of dozens of events and locations where you can go Jan. 1. Rangers have planned more than 70 guided adventures where you can connect with friends, family and the great outdoors. Choose from kid-friendly strolls to heart-pumping treks and every distance in between.

An all-terrain wheelchair adventures is scheduled at Sweetwater Creek and Tallulah Gorge state parks. (Reservations required for trackchairs.) You’ll go home with great memories and a 2025 First Day Hikes sticker! Find a hike near you.

This nationwide movement was started by America’s State Parks.

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 2025. 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 a morning hike from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the Iron Hill Trail. Learn about the area’s iron history and the geology of Red Top Mountain. Pre-registration required. Meet in the parking lot; call (770) 975-0055 to register.
• Sweetwater Creek State Park (Lithia Springs): Join a moderate 2-mile guided hike along the river to watch the sunrise on the New Year.

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

The Explore Georgia site suggests First Day Hikes by region:

• Metro Atlanta
• North Georgia
• Central Georgia
• South Georgia
• Coastal Georgia

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