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Many state parks, including Inks Lake State Park (pictured here) are hosting guided and selfguided hikes on New Year’s Day. Contributed/Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Each year park rangers statewide welcome visitors to go take a hike on the first day of the new year. The First Day Hike on New Year’s Day has become a popular annual feature.
Nearby venues include Inks Lake State Park outside of Burnet, Colorado Bend State Park on the Lampasas, San Saba county lines, Pedernales Falls State Park adjacent to Johnson City and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area near Llano.
First day self-guided hikes vary from short, leisurely nature walks through forested trails and along boardwalks to climbs into the mountains of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Many parks will have tables set up with hike information and maps. After your hike, stop back by the table so we can record your hike and you can collect a memento of your visit.
First Day Hikes in the Hill Country and neighboring areas can be found at:
• Pedernales Falls State Park
9 a.m. - Pedernales Falls and beyond! - moderate difficulty. This hike is about two miles long and follows the Pedernales Falls trail to the edge of the park and back atop the ridge. Trail is rocky and has one steep section. Meet us at the Falls Parking Lot to join!
Noon - Twin Falls Nature Trail - moderate difficulty. This hike is only half a mile and follows steep rocky terrain down to a creek fed waterfall. Hikers meet at the Twin Falls Trailhead.
3 p.m. - First Day Campfire - Visitors can finish the first day off right around a campfire and indulge with some classic first day traditions. Hikers meet at Campsite 68. To find the hidden First
To find the hidden First Day animals scattered on the trail and earn a gift, hikers can explore:
Hackenburg Loop - easy difficulty - 1.5 miles. This trail takes hikers down to the river to see the largest trees in the park as well as the damage that floods have wrought.
Wolf Mt. - moderate difficulty - eight miles. This wide trail is great for mountain biking and takes hikers across several small creeks. It has some gentle slopes and is mostly gravel.
5.5 Mile Loop Trail - Challenging - 5.5 miles. Adventure seeker take a steep trail down to the river, take the river crossing to the other side (potential for getting drenched) and then a steep uphill hike goes up to the main portion of the trail. Hiking to the overlook and back is only around four miles total.
• Guadalupe River State Park
Guadalupe River State Park has over 13 miles of trails for you to explore. Pets are welcome.
Check in at the table right next to the day use restrooms (in the big parking lot by the river), and guides will offer some suggestions and sample hike or run itineraries, including suggestions for all ages, skills and abilities.
Check back in to report miles to receive a First Day Hike sticker. The table will be set up from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Hill Country State Natural Area
Hike approximately five miles through the Wilderness and Spring Branch trails which meander along valleys and impressive peaks. The trails do include elevation changes and rocky, uneven walking surfaces.
Meet at the trailhead parking area about a half mile north of headquarters.
There are two other First Day Hikes available: 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. (1.2 miles) and 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. (2.6 miles).
Visitors can also grab a trail map and take a morning hike at your own pace on a self-guided hike.
To receive a First Day Hike sticker for participating, visit the staff at our HQ building (check in) between 9 a.m. and noon to report how many miles you hiked. • Inks Lake State Park
• Inks Lake State Park
Join a park ranger or volunteer on a short guided hike down to Devil’s Waterhole and learn about native plants along the way. At the end of the hike there will be a brief discussion about the local geology and an option to make the hike longer by taking the Valley Spring and/or Devil’s Backbone Trails. The guided portion of this hike is on easy terrain and open to all ages. Meet at Devil’s Waterhole
Meet at Devil’s Waterhole Trailhead Parking Lot. There is limited parking at the trailhead but overflow spots are available in the camping loops.
• Colorado Bend State Park
Hike or bike Lively Loop with a ranger. Meet at the Windmill Trailhead Parking. Hike will begin at 9 a.m.
Or choose your own trail. When finished, head down to Park Headquarters to receive First Day Hike stickers.
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Join a park ranger or Master Naturalist on one of two hikes to the top of Enchanted Rock. Along the way, learn about the geology, history and biology of this special place and hear tales of derring-do and see sweeping panoramic views.
Meet at the Gazebo at the beginning of the Summit Trail. The hike is a 1.5 mile round trip expected to take approximately two hours. Hikers will gain 425 feet of elevation during the tour.
Tours start at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Normal entrance fees are
Normal entrance fees are required to enter the park, no additional fees or registration required to attend these programs.
