Patrick Flynn wanted to get people out to the parks during wintertime. That’s why on January 1, 1992, the park supervisor offered a guided hike through Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, Mass. It was a success – 380 trekkers showed up. Today, his idea has snowballed into a nationwide movement known as First Day Hikes with more than 1,000 different programs offered at public parks across all 50 states.
This year, Texas is serving up a wide spread, from self-guided strolls to ranger-led summits. Early risers can find programs at 6:45am, while night owls are invited for midnight excursions on the 31st. Bird lover? There are a few hikes for that. Dinosaur digger? You won’t be disappointed. If you’re not into hiking, then horseback riding, paddleboarding, fishing, and biking fill the agenda, too.
“It really runs the gamut of whatever you would like to get out of your first day hike,” says Katie Raney, a field interpretation coordinator for Texas State Parks…