21 Fantastic Hikes to Ring in the New Year
Your guide to Georgia's First Day Hikes and a few you may want to do on your own.
The perfect way to jump-start those New Year's resolutions to explore Georgia is to participate in a First Day Hike. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide program led by the state parks to encourage people to get outside. Here’s your guide to Georgia’s First Day Hikes and a few you may want to do on your own. When you go, tag your photos with #FirstDayHikes so folks can see where you’ve been.
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New Year's Day Hikes in North Georgia
1. Black Rock Mountain State Park (Mountain City)
Start the first day of the New Year watching the sunrise from the Blue Ridge Overlook. Bring your pets for the 0.25-mile leisurely stroll on the trail to the overlook. The hike itself is not ADA accessible, but those who are unable to do the hike may drive up to the Blue Ridge Overlook around 7:30 a.m. to enjoy the sunrise with the group.
2. Fort Mountain State Park (Chatsworth)
Start the New Year with the challenge of a strenuous hike to visit the park’s gold panning creek and a stunning waterfall.
3. Hardman Farm Historic Site (Sautee Nacoochee)
Spend the day on an 11-mile, one-way hike back in time from Anna Ruby Falls to Hardman Farm State Historic Site. This supported hike includes a shuttle from the farm to Anna Ruby Falls, support stops, a swag bag, post-hike meal, tour of the farm, and a t-shirt. Tickets are $40.
4. Smithgall Woods State Park (Helen)
Meet your fellow hikers at the visitor center for a 1.3-mile hike to the park’s primitive cabin. There, by a toasty fire, you can warm yourself against the winter chill. If you are feeling adventurous, you can then continue an additional 1.2 miles to Duke's Creek Falls. Pre-registration is required.
5. Vogel State Park (Blairsville)
Join this late-morning hike on the 4.1-mile Bear Hair Gap trail over the lower ridge of Blood Mountain. The hike will take approximately 3 hours and is moderately strenuous. Dogs are welcome, and trekking poles are recommended.
6. Watson Mill Bridge State Park (Comer)
Join this pet-friendly hike through the historic bridge and along the raceway trail past the power plant ruins. Learn about the bridge’s history and see the Watson Mill ruins.
7. James H. (Sloppy) Floyd State Park (Summerville)
Start your hike on New Year’s Eve at 11 p.m., and follow rangers on an easy 1.2-mile hike around the lower lake to ring in the New Year. Finish off with sparkling grape juice around a campfire and count down to the New Year.
New Year's Day Hikes in Central Georgia
8. A.H. Stephens State Park (Crawfordville)
Join this pet-friendly ranger-led morning hike to explore the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps and Alexander H. Stephens.
9. Hard Labor Creek State Park (Rutledge)
Join a ranger-led hike for a 2-mile moderate to rigorous scenic hike along creeks and ridges. The hike is intended for ages 8 and up, and pets are welcome. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required by 5 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2024.
10. High Falls State Park (Jackson)
Get your heart pumping on a 3-mile hike on the Historic and Tranquility Trail.
11. Providence Canyon State Park (Lumpkin)
Welcome the New Year with a 3-mile hike in the morning on the Canyon Loop Trail, and earn a First Day Hike sticker.
New Year's Day Hikes in South Georgia
12. Kolomoki Mounds State Park (Blakely)
Start your hike on New Year’s Eve at 11:30 p.m. and hike through the dark to the top of the temple mound. Ring in the New Year on the top of the tallest mound in the park.
13. Reed Bingham State Park (Adel)
Join a ranger-led walk on the Gopher Tortoise loop, and learn about some of the wildlife in the park, including the wild tortoise.
14. Laura S. Walker State Park (Waycross)
Join a guided hike on the Lake Trail and hear about the ecosystem and what makes the sandhill community so special to wildlife.
New Year's Day Hikes on the Georgia Coast
15. Crooked River State Park (St. Marys)
Start the morning with a hike on the Sempervierens Trail. Wear appropriate clothing, and bring water and bug spray.
16. Fort McAllister State Park (Richmond Hill)
In the morning, join a ranger-led nature hike on a 3-mile trail. Wear sturdy shoes for the medium-difficulty trail, and bring water. Pre-registration required.
17. Skidaway Island State Park (Savannah)
Celebrate five decades of this state park with a one-mile hike on the Big Ferry Trail. Learn about the park’s rich history, local flora, and fauna. This hike is accessible to visitors who require mobility assistance; reserve an Action Track Chair in advance. Visit allterraingeorgia.org for more information about becoming certified and making reservations.
18. Stephen C. Foster State Park (Fargo)
Celebrate the New Year with a sunrise hike on the Trembling Earth Nature Trail and Boardwalk. The trail is one mile round trip and is on flat terrain.
New Year's Day Hikes in Metro Atlanta
19. Panola Mountain State Park (Stockbridge)
Hike to the top of the mountain to symbolize all the great things you will accomplish in 2025. The hike is 3.5 miles and moderately strenuous. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Ages 10 and up, and no pets are permitted.
20. Red Top Mountain State Park (Acworth)
Start the New Year with a morning hike on the Iron Hill Trail. Learn about the area’s iron history and the geology of Red Top Mountain. Pre-registration required.
21. Sweetwater Creek State Park (Lithia Springs)
Join a moderate 2-mile guided hike along the river to watch the sunrise on the New Year.
Still looking for more? Here is the complete list of First Day Hikes at Georgia State Parks.
