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2024: New Years Day Hikes In Virginia State Parks!

First Day Hikes - Virginia State Parks

Start 2024 off with some ACTIVE outdoor fun in the local Virginia State Parks! First Landing and False Cape (as well as many other VSP locations) will hold their annual First Day events on January 1, 2024. Admission and parking in Virginia State Parks is FREE on January 1st!

VIRGINIA BEACH

First Day Hike: History Hike at First Landing State Park (Virginia Beach)
Date: Sunday, January 1, 2024 from 10 – 11am
Location: First Landing State Park, 2500 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach Virginia 23451
Description: Join the Rangers on this hike through time and put yourself in the shoes of those who came before us. On this short, 1 hour hike you will learn all about the Chesapeake Tribe of Virginia Indians, including how they used their natural resources to survive. While learning about the tribe that helped shape First Landing’s significance, discover what it means to maximize your use of the land around us. Please note that the safety and effectiveness of this hike are the Ranger’s top priority. If attendance for this hike exceeds a limit that would interfere with these objectives then attendance may be capped.
Cost: January 1st is a fee-free day.

First Day Hike: Birding Bonanza at First Landing State Park (Virginia Beach)
Date: Sunday, January 1, 2024 from 12 – 1pm
Location: First Landing State Park, 2500 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach Virginia 23451
Description: First-day hikes are all about new beginnings and soaring over any obstacles that getting in the way of your goals. In that spirit, join the Rangers for a guided bird-watching experience! On this hike, you will head down the Bald Cypress, Long Creek, and Fox Run trails to observe winter’s most popular birds at First Landing State Park. This experience will last approximately 1 hour and include fairly easy walking conditions. It is recommended you bring your own binoculars for this hike and dress for the weather. Please note that the safety and effectiveness of this hike are the Ranger’s top priority. If attendance for this hike exceeds a limit that would interfere with these objectives then attendance may be capped.
Cost: January 1st is a fee-free day.

First Day Hike: The 5 Senses of First Landing at First Landing State Park (Virginia Beach)
Date: Sunday, January 1, 2024 from 2 – 3pm
Location: First Landing State Park, 2500 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach Virginia 23451
Description: This tradition of the First Day Hikes is for the whole family! As we complete a 1 hour hike, all 5 of your senses will be stimulated as we immerse ourselves in nature. Bring the kids to First Landing in weather and clothing to enjoy the Bald Cypress Trail on a guided sensory adventure. The only thing you will need on this hike is your senses of smell, touch, sight, and sound! Please note that the safety and effectiveness of this hike are the Ranger’s top priority. If attendance for this hike exceeds a limit that would interfere with these objectives then attendance may be capped.
Cost: January 1st is a fee-free day.

First Day Hike – From Bay to Beach at False Cape State Park (Virginia Beach)
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 from 9am-12pm
Location: False Cape State Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Description: Start off the New Year with an invigorating winter hike in one of Virginia’s most unique state parks. During this 2-mile hike, you’ll begin on the freshwater side overlooking Back Bay and traverse across a barrier spit to the Atlantic Ocean. Portions of the hike will be through soft sand.
Cost – $10 per person and reservations are required. Please call 757-426-7128 to register.

First Day Hike – Welcome to Wash Woods at False Cape State Park (Virginia Beach)
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 from 9am-2pm
Location: False Cape State Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Description: Explore the hidden hamlet of Wash Woods and see the various coastal habitats of False Cape. Experience the maritime forest, live oak hammock, dunes, beachfront, and an 1800s cemetery during this ranger-led hike. The hike is approximately 3 miles with parts over soft sand.
Cost – $10 per person and reservations are required. Please call 757-426-7128 to register.

WILLIAMSBURG

First Day Hike at York River State Park (Williamsburg)
Date: Monday, January 1, 2024 from 9am-1pm
Location: York River State Park, 9801 York River Park Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
Description: Start the New Year by exploring the wooded trails and shorelines along the York River with one of two great ranger-guided hikes.
9:00 a.m.  Go the distance with the Remote Riverview Ramble. This eight-mile hike goes to and from the rarely visited Riverview Beach with great fossil hunting and grand vistas of the historic river.
10:00 a.m. Zig-zag around the park on the BMW (Beaver, Mattaponi, Woodstock Pond) Wander.  Experience this three-mile journey from a woodland stream to majestic cliffs, natural marshes, and a restored living shoreline.  Bring binoculars as there will be plenty of chances to spot bald eagles and migratory waterfowl.
Cost: January 1st is a fee-free day.

 

Other Locations in Virginia

Click HERE For The Full List of First Day Hikes in Virginia State Parks! and check out our Daily Calendar for First Day Hikes in other Hampton Roads locations!