12-18 | Kick Start 2026 With a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park

Dec. 18, 2025

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

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AUSTIN – Celebrate the beginning of a new year and the start of America’s semiquincentennial (America 250) with a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park.

This annual tradition is a unique opportunity for people of all ages and skill levels to experience Texas’ wild places through ranger-guided and self-guided walks, bike rides, paddling trips, polar plunges and more as part of the national initiative aimed at getting people outdoors.

Last year, Texas once again broke the historical record for participation numbers. Texas State Parks hosted 178 events where 9,484 participants hiked a combined 18,932 miles. The number of events, participants and miles are all new records for the fourth straight year. Texas also outpaced the nation with the most sites, events and participants.

“One of the many reasons that I love Texas is the nice weather that we can have even in the winter, and there is no better way to spend a beautiful January day than walking with friends and family at a Texas State Park,” said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. “Each year, Texas leads the nation as thousands of Texans turn out to a nearby state park to ring in the new year and celebrate with a First Day Hike. I always look forward to seeing the photos of smiling folks enjoying parks on January 1, and this New Year’s Day is extra special as we also ring in America’s 250^th birthday. Hope to see you on the trail!”

Trails at Texas State Parks range in length and difficulty. Some short, easy trails are perfect for family-friendly scenic strolls, while more strenuous ones can challenge experienced hikers. Trail maps for all Texas State Parks can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website, the official Texas State Park app and individual park webpages.

“State parks across the country protect and provide access to the landscapes, stories and places that create the fabric of our country,” says America’s State Parks President Paul McCormack. “As our country starts to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, we invite you to start your year on a First Day Hike enjoying and celebrating our incredible public lands.”

TPWD strongly encourages anyone planning a trip to a Texas state park to reserve a day pass in advance since some parks are expected to reach their capacity limit. Reserve day passes online through the TPWD reservation website or by calling the Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900.

Anyone with the resolution of visiting multiple state parks in 2026 can purchase a Texas State Parks Pass (TSPP). The $70 TSPP waives entrance fees to all state parks for passholders and guests in their vehicle for a full year. Additionally, passholders get discounts on overnight reservations, state park store purchases and more.

Purchase passes online through the TPWD reservation website, through the Customer Service Center or at any state park.

Find a list of all First Day Hike events on the TPWD First Day Hikes Event page.

Examples of some First Day Hikes are listed below:

From 8:30 to 11 a.m. join experienced guides for the first bird tour of the new year at Goose Island State Park and discover the birds that call the park home. You’ll learn about and identify the birds seen on the route.

Check out a self-guided First Day Hike on the Shinnery Ridge Trail at Meridian State Park, featuring the children’s book “Walking Through Texas” by author Courtney Rubalcaba.

Join park rangers at 7 a.m. for a brisk, early morning hike on the Triassic Trail at Palo Duro Canyon State Park and catch a beautiful sunrise over the canyon! Hike approximately 1.5 miles round trip.

From 1 to 2 p.m. join a Village Creek State Park ranger to get acquainted with one of the oldest navigation tools in history. Learn to navigate without technology and explore nature simultaneously.

Note to editors:

Find images of past First Day Hikes on the TPWD Flickr page.