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Some people refer to it as Friday Family Fun Night, Dice & Deck Night, or just plain ol’ Game Night. No matter what you call it, it’s a night to look forward to for a quick meal, friendly competition, and good snacks. ...read more
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Martin Luther King, Jr. is the first modern private citizen to be honored with a federal holiday. It was a long struggle to set aside the third Monday in January as a day to honor and celebrate a man who advocated for not only racial equality but also economic equality and for all people to be treated with respect and dignity. While the legislation to set aside the day was signed by Ronald Reagan in 1983, its first official celebration was on January 18, 1986, and it took until 2000 for all 50 states to recognize it as a state government holiday. ...read more
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According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, areas in the Eastern United States reach their seasonal minimum temperatures in mid-January. It makes sense, then, to have International Hot and Spicy Food Day on January 16 for a little winter warm-up. ...read more
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... Our favorite foods! Food is universal because everybody’s got ta eat! And the last two months of the year are filled with more than their fair share of family meals, work gatherings, special outings to favorite restaurants, tins filled with homemade cookies and fudge, and the anticipation of food traditions handed down from generation to generation ...read more
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Even before we bought the Mast General Store, we were taken by the beauty of Valle Crucis. We’ve heard people describe the drive out Broadstone Road as traveling through a time portal. In the 1970s, fields in the river bottoms would be filled with tobacco, cabbage, or high with hay to feed cattle that were grazing in the summer pasture. ...read more
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The lucky few who have seen the Earth from a different perspective – astronauts - all echo the same viewpoint upon their return. Yuri Gagarin, a Russian cosmonaut and the first human to go to space, commented, “Orbiting Earth in the spaceship, I saw how beautiful our planet is. People, let us preserve and increase this beauty, not destroy it.”
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As the New Year approaches, it’s typical to think about resolutions and personal goals for the year ahead. For outdoor enthusiasts, one of the best ways to kick off the new year is by participating in a "First Day Hike." Held annually at state parks across the country, First Day Hikes offer an opportunity to connect with nature, promote health, and get outside. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a refreshing way to begin the new year, these hikes provide a perfect excuse to get moving and start the year off right.
The First Day Hike tradition began on January 1, 1992, at the Blue Hills Reservation State Park in Norfolk County, Massachusetts outside of Boston. The idea was to encourage people to enjoy the natural beauty of state parks while promoting healthy outdoor activities. The concept quickly spread across the country, and today, state parks in all 50 states participate in the First Day Hikes, offering a wide variety of guided and self-guided excursions for hikers of all ages and abilities.
There's something symbolic about beginning the year with a hike. It's an opportunity to leave behind the old year and get a fresh start on a new one. It doesn’t matter if you're trekking a challenging trail or just strolling along a scenic path, you will feel renewed with a sense of accomplishment that only the outdoors can provide. And if fitness is one of your new year’s goals, a First Day Hike is a great way to start getting your steps in.
Fortunately, many state parks offer free, ranger-led hikes that are perfect to get you started. First Day Hikes are designed to be inclusive and family friendly. Many parks offer shorter, easier trails that are perfect for children, beginners, or those just looking for a leisurely walk in nature, and some will have more challenging hikes for more experienced explorers. As with all hiking, check the weather conditions and difficulty rating of the area in which you plan to hike and remember to take water and a snack.
If you’re looking for an inspiring and fulfilling way to begin the year, consider taking part in a First Day Hike, and maybe we’ll see you on the trail.
While many start parks remain closed following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, you should still be able to find a First Day hike not too far away. Be sure to check your favorite state park’s website for the latest closure updates. Here are a few suggestions from parks we found to be open:
For Virginia and the NC High Country as well as Winston-Salem
Grayson Highlands State Park Massie Gap Hike
Jan. 1, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This hike will take participants into the high country for great views and to learn about the unique boreal world of Grayson Highlands State Park. Bring a snack, water, clothes, and footwear appropriate for weather conditions; it could be fairly cold and windy at the higher elevations. The hike will be moderate and will begin in the field at Massie Gap.
Columbia, SC
First Day Hike - Sesquicentennial State Park, Sandhills Hiking Trail
January 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
No registration required
Meet at the Park Office. Dress appropriately for being outdoors and wear comfortable shoes. Participants may also want to bring water, snacks, camera, and binoculars. This event is free with park admission.
Greenville, SC
Table Rock State Park, CCC Lakeside Trail
January 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m. - Noon and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register online by December 27.
Meet at the concessions area. A ranger will lead you on a 1.9-mile hike around Lake Pinnacle for great scenic views and a glimpse into the creation of Table Rock State Park. Learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps and its legacy as you examine CCC structures along your hike. The beauty of Table Rock Mountain and the lore of the CCC combine to create a great experience to begin the new year! Dress in layers if the weather is colder. Bring water and wear walking/hiking shoes. This event is free with park admission.
Knoxville, TN
Norris Dam State Park, Rocky Top, TN
January 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
10:00 AM
Meet at the Harmon Loop parking lot. Join Ranger Holly for the annual First Day Hike! Meet at the Harmon Loop Parking Lot for a 1.5-mile hike. This is the first parking lot on the right as you enter the park on Village Green Circle. Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather. This event is free to attend; however, please consider donating upon registration.
Roanoke, VA
Claytor Lake State Park, 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr., Dublin, VA 24084
Jan. 1, 2025. 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join park rangers on the first day of the New Year with some fun hikes and activities or blaze your own trail. First Day Hike bumper stickers will be available for free at the Contact Station and at the Gift Shop from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. while supplies last.
10 a.m. - Noon - Trick Your Stick at the Meeting Facility
What is the perfect-sized walking stick for you? Bring your own stick or take one of the park’s and use the provided crafting supplies to create your own uniquely designed item.
10 a.m. - Bird Watching Hike at the Howe House
Have you ever wondered about the birds in your area? Join Master Naturalist Judy McCord on a short hike to learn all the tricks and tips of bird watching and how to identify some common species.
1 p.m. - Vernal Pool Hike at the Camp C Lot
Ever wondered where salamanders live? Have you heard of fairy shrimp? Join Master Naturalist Judy McCord for a short hike to our vernal pools and learn what it is and what critters reside there.
2 p.m. - Sappy Wednesday at Howe House
Weather permitting, the park will kick off the maple syrup program series. Take a short stroll to identify different maple trees and they will briefly cover how you can make and enjoy syrup from your own backyard. Sappy Saturday's will be at 2 p.m. on January 11 and 25.
Another good resource for plotting your New Year’s activities is the American Hiking Society’s First Day Hikes page or make your own hike by meeting friends and neighbors for a walk around the neighborhood or along your local greenway.