First Day Hikes 2023 In FL: Visit A State Park On New Year’s Day

FLORIDA — What better way to welcome the new year than a walk in the woods?

The nationwide event First Day Hikes encourages people to explore state parks, including those in Florida, on New Year’s Day.

“Organized in state parks across the country, thousands of people participate in First Day Hikes every January 1,” Florida State Parks wrote on its website. “Varying from short strolls to longer treks, these hikes offer a variety of ways for people to get outdoors and start the new year on the right foot.”

There are 175 state parks across the Sunshine State to explore on New Year’s Day — or any other day of the year!

Some Florida state parks will offer self-guided or ranger-led First Day Hikes on Sunday, including the following parks:

• Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., EST): Self-guided scavenger hunt for specific flora and fauna.
• Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Santa Rosa Beach (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., CST): Self-guided hikes.
• Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring (8 to 9:30 a.m., EST): A hike of the Cypress Swamp Trail.
• William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area, Port St. Joe (8:15 to 10:15 a.m., EST): A guided hike along the beach that meets at the activity center.
• Lake Louisa State Park, Clermont (8:30 to 10 a.m., EST): A 2.1-mile guided hike focusing on ecosystems and keystone species of the park.
• Sebastian Inlet State Park, Vero Beach (8:30 to 9:30 a.m., EST): Learn about the rich history of Sebring Inlet from a ranger.
• Blue Spring State Park, Orange City (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., EST): This ranger-led tour along the boardwalk focuses on the history, wildlife, ecology and management of Blue Springs Park.
• Oscar Scherer State Park, Osprey (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., EST): A self-sided scavenger hunt.
• Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound (9 a.m. to 11 a.m., EST): This 2-mile guided hike focuses on the flora and fauna of the pine flatwoods ecosystem.
• Troy Spring State Park, Branford (9 to 10 a.m., EST): A half-mile long, self-guided hike.
• Oleta River State Park, North Miami Beach (9 to 10 a.m., EST): A guided tour that meets at Alligator Pavilion.
• Blackwater River State Park, Milton (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., CST): A self-guided tour with brochures that describe the natural community and its function in seven locations along the Chain of Lakes trail.
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo (9 to 10 a.m., EST): This guided walk highlights the intertwining of Key Largo’s natural history, life and maritime heritage.
• Suwannee River State Park, Live Oak (9 to 10 a.m., EST): A ¾-mile hike along the Sandhill Trail, exploring a natural sandhill habitat and old cemetery.
• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West (9 to 10 a.m., EST): A guided 1-mile hike.
• Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Wales (10 to 11:30 a.m., EST): A 2-mile hike crossing the canal onto Buster Island.
• Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka (10 to 11:30 a.m., EST): A park ranger will talk about the park’s history and guide hikers through the ravine and to some other key parts of the park.
• Camp Helen State Park, Panama City Beach (10 to 11 a.m., CST): Led by ranger staff, this tour will take place on the mixed-use trails.

Learn more about these and other First Day Hikes here.

Even if there is no organized event planned, park visitors can still enjoy the park, either hiking on their own or with friends and family. You can find a park to visit here. Simply print out a map in advance of your visit or find one at the ranger station.

Florida State Parks asks anyone who takes pictures on their Jan. 1 hike to share their images on social media with the #FirstDayHikes hashtag.

The park system offers visitors some hiking safety tips while exploring the outdoors:

• Stay on the trail. Wandering off the trail can cause erosion and you could be injured or become lost.
• Be courteous and observe trail etiquette. Communicate with others as you pass.
• Bring supplies. You’ll need drinking water, insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes to help prevent injury.
• Never feed or touch wildlife. If you encounter wildlife on the trail, keep your distance and back away slowly.