Take a Hike: Parks in Raleigh, across North Carolina plan 'First Day' hikes
Editor's note: This annual post has been updated for New Year's Day 2024.
After the stress and sugar of the holidays, it is helpful to start the New Year on a more healthful note. Time in the outdoors has proven benefits for physical and mental well-being, and many families mark a new year with a hike.
Listed below are the best "official" organized First Day Hikes within about an hour's drive of the Triangle.
If you're looking for a less formal experience and don't want to be pinned down by a particular schedule, chart your own course with the WRAL guide to scenic trails right here in the Triangle.
Plan a family outing – on Jan. 1 or any day – to one of these family-friendly hiking spots.
It's simpler than you think. Lace up some supportive shoes, grab a bottle of water and go!
Central NC First Day Hikes 2024
As you look over the list, be sure to note the descriptions to pick the right one for your family based on your abilities and ages and check the link to make sure weather hasn't changed plans.
William B. Umstead State Park offers a scavenger hunt to start the year.
Stop by the visitor center on Jan. 1 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to pick up the scavenger hunt sheet, choose your favorite trail at the park, and explore. After you complete the sheet, you can receive a sticker.
For a meet and greet with a ranger, stop by Oak Rock Trailhead between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
See a little-known (and stunning) section of Umstead State Park – the Odd Fellows Tract – on a hike beginning at 1 p.m. from 2232 Old Reedy Creek Road. Dr. Jean Spooner, chair of the Umstead Coalition, will lead a slow-paced, 2-mile hike along the border of Umstead State Park and the Odd Fellows Tract, the proposed site of RDU Quarry. She will share the history of the area and the current status of the fight to stop quarry expansion.
At Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, a ranger will lead the first hike of the year along Ebenezer’s Church Trail. This leisurely, mile-long adventure will include information about the lake’s history, Ebenezer Church and other interesting facts about the area. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Ebenezer Church Day Use Access, 2582 Beaver Creek Road.
Falls Lake State Recreation Area invites you to get out of hibernation for a 1-5 mile hiked on Fox Trot Trail. Meet at Picnic Shelter 24 at the Beaverdam Access, 14600 Creedmoor Road, at 10 a.m.
Start the New Year on the right (or left) foot at Eno River State Park. There are options for 2-mile or 4-mile guided hikes, starting at the picnic shelter in the Fews Ford Access parking loop at 2 p.m.
Travel outside the Triangle for the first day hike at Raven Rock State Park in Lillington. Join a ranger at 9 a.m. at the picnic shelter at 3009 Raven Rock Road to start the day and year off right.
