DCAB “Last Day” Hike: Bid farewell to 2023 with Deep Creek Adventure Bureau on the last day of 2023. Meet at 12:30 PM at Garrett State Forest to hike the past away.
Deep Creek Lake State Park: Kickstart 2024 right with First Day Hikes at Deep Creek Lake State Park. Choose between the Discovery Trail (0.25 miles) and Meadow Mountain (6 miles) hikes.
Herrington Manor State Park: Welcome winter and the new year with a leisurely hike on the beautiful red trail at Herrington Manor State Park. Saunter like John Muir and discover the local flora and trees.
New Germany State Park: Explore two hikes at New Germany State Park. Little Naturalist First Day Hike (1 mile) is perfect for young naturalists, while the Ranger-Guided First Day Hike (4 miles) offers a moderate-to-difficult trek.
Swallow Falls State Park: Participate in the Old Growth Appreciation Hike at Swallow Falls State Park. Take the gravel trail with leashed pets, stroller-friendly, and restrooms available.
Fork Run: Join the First Day Hike 2024 at The Fork Run Recreation Area at 12:00 PM. Hike around the Climbing area (1.5 to 2 miles) with an optional bridge loop. Snow? Enjoy a post-hike Fat Bike Ride.
Regional Options:
Rocky Gap State Park: Celebrate the new year at Rocky Gap State Park with First Day Hikes at 11:00 AM (campground stroll) and 1:00 PM (5k hike). Both start and end at the Nature Center, concluding with hot chocolate and an I Hike 2024 sticker.
Dans Mountain State Park: Embark on the new Lonacona Loop singletrack trail at Dans Mountain State Park. Traverse rocky terrain, rugged hillsides, and 650 feet of elevation change for a moderately challenging start to your New Year’s health and fitness goals.
Ohiopyle State Park: Join to snowshoe in the New Year! Ohiopyle State Park is hoping there is enough snow to snowshoe. If not we will still hike! The trail we are heading out on is about a mile in length over moderate terrain. Pre-registration is required by hitting the registration button on this listing by 11:00 AM on December 29. Have no fear, it is free! This is the first hike of the 2024 Ohiopyle Trailjourn.
West Virginia State Parks: Start the New Year on the right foot with a First Day Hike at a West Virginia state park or state natural area. These free guided hikes, held annually on January 1, are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors.
