First Day Hikes is a New Year’s Day suggestion from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The department encourages you to start your New Year in the fresh air of the great outdoors. Whether it be a stroll, dog walk, polar bear plunge, or hike in your Texas State Park, just get outdoors.

Visit the First Day Hikes page for a map of all events or the Events Calendar for a listing of all events happening Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Want to do more than just a First Day Hike? Find more ways to ring in a healthy new year all month long.

Here are some of the events happening that are specific to East Texas. First Day Hike at Daingerfield.  Recover from the holiday by joining us for a hike through our enchanting cathedral of trees. Bring your family, friends, and dogs (on leash) with you to enjoy the fun!

First Day Hike at Lake Bob Sandlin – Start off the New Year with a scenic hike in the park!

3rd Annual Tails to Trails at Martin Creek Lake – Ring (or bark) in the new year with your pup on this 1-mile walk while getting fresh air and exercise.

Here’s their suggestion for events in the Dallas/Fort Worth area:

Dino Dive at Dinosaur Valley – Take the polar plunge into the Paluxy’s fresh and frigid waters!

Morning in the Canyon and Afternoon in the Canyon at Mother Neff – Stroll through the limestone gullies to Tonkawa Cave, walk up the steps to the Rock Tower, and view wildlife at the Wash Pond.

Penitentiary Hollow Wild Walk at Lake Mineral Wells – Explore beautiful sandstone formations in remote areas only accessible on this guided hike.

First Day Hike: Dragonfly Trail at Lake Arrowhead – Get outside and welcome the New Year with friends and family on a guided hike! We are also hosting a second hike later in the day on the Mesquite Ridge Trail.

Happy New Year!!!