Georgia State Park First Day Hikes Begin Jan. 1, 2022: List

GEORGIA — Georgia authorities suggest residents start 2021 with one of 41 hikes in state parks. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to take a First Day Hike in January to welcome the New Year.

This year, the Georgia Park Service will offer hike opportunities across the state on Jan. 1, 2022. Georgia's state parks, state forests and wildlife management areas will be open for trekking hundreds of miles of trails. Some hikes may be self-guided, while others will have tour guides.

The hikes offer experiences for various levels of hiker and walker. Many hikes are even pet-friendly, and a few trails are suited for strollers; be sure to check ahead of time.

All hikers should followGeorgia State Parks' guidelines for outdoor exercise and recreation to slow the spread of COVID-19, including keeping a 6-foot distance from anyone outside their household and wearing a face covering when in close proximity to others and when indoors.

Anyone who is sick or has been sick over the past two weeks should stay home to recuperate.

This Year's Hikes (arranged in alphabetical order):

A.H. Stephens State Park
456 Alexander St. NW, Crawfordville, GA

Join park staff on a pet-friendly, ranger-led hike exploring the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps and Alexander H. Stephens. Meet at Lake Liberty for the tour, which is located in front of the park office. Tour guides recommend bringing water and sturdy shoes. ADA-accessible trail.

Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Admission: $5 program fee
Parking: $5

Black Rock Mountain State Park
3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway, Mountain City, GA

Begin the new year with a 0.75-mile hike around Black Rock Lake. The hike is ideal for families of all ages, according to the Georgia DNR, and hikers can bring their leashed four-legged friends. Pre-registration required.

Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Cloudland Canyon State Park
122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA

Join the park for a 2.5-mile hike from the Main Overlook to backcountry and back to kick off the 2022 New Year. The hike is open to all ages.

Time: 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Crooked River State Park
6222 Charlie Smith Senior Highway, St. Mary's, GA

Take an informative 1.5-mile hike with a ranger along the Sempervierens Trail, where the ranger and visitors will identify various plant species and interpret their medicinal and historical uses. After the hike, all hikers are invited to stop for a cup of hot cocoa or cider and a snack, provided by Friends of Crooked River State Park.

Register in advance, space is limited. The trail is not accessible for strollers and pets are not allowed. Rangers recommend wearing walking/hiking shoes and dressing for the weather, as well as bringing bug spray and water. Meet at the trail head for the hike.

Time: 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Don Carter State Park
5000 N. Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA

• Woodland Loop from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Join the park naturalist on a 1.5-mile guided hike to celebrate the new year. All ages are welcome. The guided tour will meet at the fish cleaning station. Pets are welcome on a 6-foot leash. ADA-accessible trail. Closed-toed shoes recommended.
• Terrapin Cove Trail from 1:30-2:45 p.m.: Join the park naturalist again on a 2-mile guided hike for all ages. Pets are welcome on a 6-foot leash. Closed-toed shoes recommended. Considered an "easy, natural surface trail."

Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Elijah Clark State Park
2959 McCormick Highway, Lincolnton, GA

Start the new year with a 0.75-mile interpretive hike along the Hannah Clarke Nature Trail. The trail is appropriate for all ages. Trail tour meets at the park office.

Time: 8 a.m.-8:45 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Fort McAllister State Park
3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill, GA

This 3-mile medium-difficulty nature hike is led by Ranger Lexi. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended. Space is limited to 25 people, so registration is required. To register, call 912-727-2339.

Time: 10-11 a.m.
Admission: $3
Parking: $5

Fort Mountain State Park
181 Fort Mountain Park Road, Chatsworth, GA

Start the year off with a hike to the Stone Wall, Historic CCC Fire Tower and West Overlook to take in the views. Park officials recommend wearing warm, comfortable clothing and bringing water. To register, call the park office at 706-422-1932.

Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Fort Yargo State Park
210 S. Broad St., Winder, GA

Enjoy the new year with a guided 2- to 3-mile hike, starting at the beach near Picnic Shelter 3. Park officials recommend bringing water, wearing comfortable shoes and wearing warm clothes. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required. To register, call the visitor center at 770-867-3489.

Time: 1-3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

George L. Smith State Park
371 George L. Smith State Park Road, Twin City, GA

This is a ranger-led hike on the 3-mile Deer Run Trail. Participants are encourgaed to wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks for the hike. Dogs are allowed on 6-foot leashes.

Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Georgia Veterans State Park & Resort
2459 U.S. Highway 280 W., Unit A, Cordele

This is a hike along the Yucca Trace Trail Head for a leisurely walk through the Sandhill environment at the park.

Time: 10-11 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Hamburg State Park
6071 Hamburg State Park Road, Mitchell, GA

Join a ranger at Hamburg State Park for its First Day Hike. Guests will walk the Red Trail and discuss the history of Hamburg State Park, while enjoying some lakefront views of the Hamburg Grist Mill. Park officials ask visitors to dress for the weather, bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Afterwards, guests will tour the Hamburg Mill and Agricultural Museum.

Time: 1-2 p.m.
Admission: $2
Parking: $5

Hard Labor Creek State Park
5 Hard Labor Creek Road, Rutledge, GA

There will be two separate 2-mile, ranger-led hikes taking visitors along gentle ridges and cascading creeks. The hikes are considered moderate to rigorous, and geared toward active adults and children over 8 years old. Each hike will last approximately two hours.

Space is limited to 20 people. Pre-registration required by 5 p.m. the day before. To register, call 706-557-3001. Arrive to the park 15-20 minutes prior to the event, as participants will caravan to the starting point.

Time: 11 a.m. (hike No. 1), 2 p.m. (hike No. 2)
Admission: $3
Parking: $5

Hardman Farm Historic Site
143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee, GA

Take an 11 mile, moderate one-way hike back in time from Anna Ruby Falls to Hardman Farm State Historic Site. This hike spans what was once the vast estate of Hardman Farm’s proprietary family, the Nichols.

This area is now home to Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center, Unicoi State Park, the City of Helen and Hardman Farm State Historic Site. Explore natural history features along the Smith Creek Trail weaved with man-made historical features such as the Sautee Ditch, a hand dug water supply for two gold stamp mills in the 1800s. This supported hike includes a shuttle from Hardman Farm to Anna Ruby Falls, points of interest handouts, four support stops, a swag bag, post-hike meal, tour of Hardman Farm and commemorative T-shirt.

The event is limited to 50 people. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.

Time: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: $40
Parking: Free

High Falls State Park
76 High Falls Park Drive, Jackson, GA

Get your heart pumping on one of two 1.5-mile guided hikes on the Falls View Trail. Closed-toed hiking shoes are recommended. Pets are welcome on a 6-foot leash, but trail is not easily accessible for strollers. Pre-registration is required as space is limited, so call 478-993-3053 to register.

Times: 10-11:30 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Indian Springs State Park
678 Lake Clark Road, Reidsville, GA

Join a park ranger on a 0.75-mile hike. Pre-registration is required, so call the park office at 770-504-2277 to register.

Time: 10-11 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Jack Hill State Park
162 Park Lane, Reidsville, GA

This is a 1-mile, ranger-led hike through Jack Hill's Swamp Bay Nature Trail. Trail is rated easy, but there will be potential for muddy areas along the trail due to the swampy terrain. Items recommended for participants to bring are water, closed-toed shoes/boots and bug spray. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash.

Time: Noon-1 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Kolomoki Mounds State Park
205 Indian Mounds Road, Blakely, GA

Head out for a ranger-led, 1.5-mile hike down the park's most popular trail loop, the White Oak Trail. The tour will meet in the mound parking lot between 7:45 a.m. and 8 a.m.

Time: 8-9 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Laura S. Walker State Park
5653 Laura Walker Road, Waycross

The park is hosting three hikes on three different trails, all led by a naturalist: South Big Creek Trail at 9 a.m., Lake Trail at noon and North Big Creek Trail at 4 p.m. Each hike is limited to 10 people, so pre-register by calling the Visitors Center at 912-287-4900. ADA-accessible trails.

Times: 9 a.m., noon and 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Little Ocmulgee State Park and Lodge
80 Live Oak Trail, McRae-Helena, GA

Meander through the 2.3-mile Oak Ridge Trail's and the 1.7-mile Short Loop Trail's sand hills. You may get to see wildlife along the trail and boardwalk at the north end of the lake.

Time: 9 a.m.-noon
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Magnolia Springs State Park
1053 Magnolia Springs Drive, Millen, GA

• Beaver Trail: Ring in the New Year with a 1.2-mile, ranger-led hike on Beaver Trail. The trail is considered easy-moderate. Pre-registration is required and space is limited, so call 478-982-1660 to register. Dogs are not allowed on this hike.
• Bark in the Park: This is the dog-friendly version of the 1.2-mile Beaver Trail hike, which takes place earlier in the day Saturday. Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Pre-registration is required and space is limited, so call 478-982-1660 to register.

Times: 11 a.m.-noon (Beaver Trail) and 3-4 p.m. (Bark in the Park)
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Mistletoe State Park
3725 Mistletoe Road, Appling, GA

Mistletoe State Park will be hosting its First Day Hike on the Campground Loop Trail, stretching 1.5 miles and friendly for all ages. The tour will meet at the Hemlock Falls Trailhead at the end of Andersonville Lane.

Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Moccasin Creek State Park
3655 Highway 197, Clarkesville, GA

Join a ranger from Moccasin Creek State Park for an easy-rated, 3-mile round trip excursion through Moccasin Creek to Hemlock Falls.

Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Panola Mountain State Park
2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA

Trek to the top of Panola Mountain, a registered National Natural Landmark, rated moderately strenuous. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call the park office at 770-389-7801 to register. The hike is designed for those age 10 and older, and no pets are permitted.

Time: 1-4 p.m.
Admission: $10
Parking: $5

Providence Canyon State Park
8930 Canyon Road, Lumpkin, GA

This 3-mile, ranger-led hike will allow visitors to learn about the different geologic formations of the canyon, dubbed "Georgia's Little Grand Canyon," the various minerals found around the canyon and the history and ecosystem of the area. This tour will explore the canyon from the rim and the floor.

Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Red Top Mountain State Park
50 Lodge Road SE, Acworth, GA

Take the Sweet Gum Trail for a moderate 3.5-mile hike along the shoreline and through the forest at Red Top Mountain State Park. Tour participants should meet at the visitors center.

Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Reed Bingham State Park
542 Reed Bingham Road, Adel, GA

Help a ranger usher in 2022 with a night hike and explore the park after it normally closes. Wear closed-toed shoes and dress for the weather. Call the park to register at 229-896-3551.

Time: 6-7 p.m.
Admission: $3
Parking: $5

Richard B. Russell State Park
2650 Russell State Park Drive, Elberton, GA

This ranger-led hike will take place along the Blackwell Bridge Trail, where a ranger will discuss the history of Elberton and Richard B. Russell State Park. To register, call 706-213-2045.

Time: 10-11 a.m.
Admission: $5
Parking: $5

Skidaway Island State Park
52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah

Take a 2-mile Geocache hike, starting at the Sandpiper Trailhead. Download the Geocaching app before the hike, which will guide visitors to the Geocaches hidden along the trail. Guests are welcome to bring small items to leave in the Geocache boxes. The trails are close to the marsh areas, so they can get muddy. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes they don't mind getting dirty.

Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Smithgall Woods State Park
61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen

This hike starts at the visitors center, and the tour will make a pit stop about 1.3 miles away at a cabin where guests can either stop or continue on for another 1.2 miles (one way) to Duke's Creek Falls. Space is limited and pre-registration is required, so call 706-878-3087 to register.

Time: 1-3 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Stephen C. Foster State Park
17515 Highway 177, Fargo, GA

Hike along the banks of the Suwanee River where you'll see a variety of wildlife and discuss the history of the Okefenokee Swamp with a ranger. Guests are asked to bring water and good hiking shoes. To register, call 912-637-5274.

Time: 9-10 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Tallulah George State Park
338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive, Tallulah Falls, GA

This moderate, 3-mile hike takes place along the backcountry trail, and is designed for those age 8 and older. No pets are allowed on this hike. Guests are asked to bring water and snacks for the hike. Registration is required, so call 706-754-7981 to register.

Time: 9-11 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Tugaloo State Park
1763 Tugaloo State Park Road, Lavonia, GA

Join a park ranger for a 0.75-mile loop hike around the Muscadine Nature Trail, rated as an easy hike open to all ages.

Time: 3-4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Victoria Bryant State Park
1105 Bryant Park Road, Royston, GA

Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Vogel State Park
405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville, GA

Enjoy a morning ranger-led hike on the Bear Hair Gap Trail with a stop at the overlook, which looks down over the park. Guests are asked to wear proper shoes and warm clothing, as well as bring snacks and water. You must be at least 8 years old to take this hike.

Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Watson Mill Bridge State Park
650 Watson Mill Road, Comer, GA

Discuss the past at Watson Mill Bridge State Park with a 0.5-mile hike, deemed easy to moderate, to the old powerhouse ruins, and enjoy the sound of the South Fork of the Broad River as a ranger leads you down the old raceway to the ruins. Tour meets at the Powerhouse Ruins Trailhead. Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash at all times.

Time: 10-11 a.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $5

Wormsloe Historic Site
7601 Skidaway Road, Savannah

Join a park ranger for a 2.5-mile hike (with two available times) through the coastal maritime forest. Pets are welcome on a 6-foot leash. Guests are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes, as well as bring water and bug spray. Pre-registration is recommended but not required, so call 912-353-3023 to register.

Times: 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.
Admission: $4-$12
Parking: $5