Free First Day Hikes in NC State Parks New Year’s Day

Many North Carolina State Parks are participating in First Day Hikes on January 1st, 2019. The hikes are led by park staff and vary in difficulty. Choose a park from the list on this page.

Here are some choices in the Triangle. Please note that some require pre-registration and have a limited number of spots. 

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
919-362-0586
Tuesday, January 1st, 2019, 9 a.m.
Start Location:
New Hope Overlook Recreation Area (339 WH Jones Rd., New Hill NC 27562) Blue Loop Trail.

Start the first day of the year with a ranger walking in the woods. Dress for the weather and bring plenty of snacks. If you’re a birder, don’t forget those binoculars! No need to register; just show up for the hike. If you would like more information, please contact the park office at 919-362-0586.

The first hike with a ranger will be at New Hope Overlook. You will be hiking the Blue Loop Trail, which is 2.7 miles long. This is a challenging trail with several steep hills. Hikers will enjoy sweeping views of the lake, mature hardwood forests, groves of mountain laurel and much, much more. Plan to meet at the trailhead near the boat ramps at 9am. If you would like more information, please contact the park office at 919-362-0586.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
919-362-0586
Tuesday, January 1, 2019 – 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Start Location:
Ebenezer Church Recreation Area (2582 Beaver Creek rd., Apex NC 27502) Area A Old Oak Trail

Start the first day of the year with a ranger walking in the woods. Dress for the weather and bring plenty of snacks. If you’re a birder, don’t forget those binoculars! No need to register; just show up for the hike. If you would like more information, please contact the park office at 919-362-0586.

The second hike will be at the Ebenezer Church Recreation Area at the Old Oak Trail. The Old Oak Trail is an easy 1 mile loop trail that begins at the parking lot in the Ebenezer Picnic Area A. This trail can be cut to 1/2 mile by taking the shortcut loop, making this trail great for small children. Hikers will see large hollow oaks, 2 ponds, fence-rows and clues of the farms that used to fill the area. Plan to meet at the trailhead near Shelter 8 in Area A at 1pm.

Location: Jordan Lake Recreation Area
Ebenezer Church – Old Oak Trail

Falls Lake State Recreation Area
919-676-1027
Tuesday, January 1, 2019 – 10:00am
Start Location:
Rolling View Recreation Area – Neuse Bend Trail (TRACK Trail)

Start the year out right by coming out and joining a park ranger for an easy scavenger hunt/hike on the 0.75 mile Neuse Bend Trail in Rolling View Recreation Area. The Scavenger Hunt Hike is designed for ages 6-12 but all ages are encouraged to participate. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Wear appropriate clothes and shoes. Reservations are required…Please call the park office at 919-676-1027 to sign up.

**Hikes will be held at 10am, and 2pm!! Registration for hikes starts Friday, December 1st, 2018 and are limited to the first 35 participants per time slot**

The hikes will start at the Rolling View Recreation Area Track Trailhead, Rolling View Recreation Area is located at 4201 Baptist Road, Durham

Eno River State Park
919-383-1686
Tuesday, January 1, 2019 – 2:00pm
Start Location:
Fews Ford Picnic Shelter

Join us for our annual First Day Hike, at the park that started it all!
This hike will run on the Buckquarter Creek Trail (2 mile round-trip) and runs through the forest and along the Eno River.

Dogs are welcome, so long as they are on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet long.

Wear good hiking shoes and bring drinking water.

Please call the Eno River Association (919-620-9099) for registration or cancellations.