The new year is already approaching, which means time is coming for First Day Hikes.
It’s customary for parks to open early on Jan. 1 for guided hike trails. The CSRA is no exception. Mistletoe and other Georgia state parks and historic sites have been offering First Day Hikes since 2012.
Georgia has over 50 first day hike events at state parks and historic sites slated for the beginning of 2024, with an average turnout of about 1,200 New Year’s hikers, notes Sarah Kenyon, a naturalist at Mistletoe State Park.
“I think that people come out to start their year off on a good foot, both literally and figuratively,” said Kenyon, who will be guiding the First Day Hike at Mistletoe State Park in Appling.
Being surrounded by nature has a calming effect, she said, putting people at peace with an environment to reflect on the past year as well as the upcoming one.
“I also think it’s exciting to be around other people searching for that same experience and feeling that since of community to start off their year,” she said.”
Kenyon will lead participants along the Cliatt Creek Trail, a hilly path that follows the creek, the sights along which will include the rare camellia silk tree.
“Getting out into nature while exercising resets your mind and body to feel fresh,” Kenyon said. “I think that is a good way to start off a new year and a new season of life. I think people can find a sense of peace and excitement in the event.”
South Carolina has some 40 locations welcoming first day hikers, including Aiken State Park. This year, Aiken hikers will be able to observe flora and listen to fauna along more than two miles of the Jungle Trail, which would take roughly an hour and a half to complete, said park ranger Cayla Wannamaker.
“Everyone’s New Year’s resolution is to get out and start exercising, getting outdoors to do things,” Wannamaker said. “To kick off the New Year being outside and hiking.”
Water bottles, snacks, good hiking shoes and proper wear for the wet weather are encouraged, she said. And as the trail will have boardwalks, the park is also asking potential hikers not to bring strollers or wagons.
The Mistletoe Park First Day Hike, at 3725 Mistletoe Road, will be from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Jan. 1. For more information, visit https://explore.gastateparks.org/info/293649?c=27985981 or call 706-541-0321.
The Aiken State Park, at 1145 State Park Road in Windsor, S.C., will host two hikes along the Jungle Trail: the first beginning at 10 a.m., and the second starting at 3 p.m. Park admission and parking also apply. For more info, visit First Day Hike at Aiken State Park – Visit Aiken SC or call 803-649-2857.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
