Wild Georgia Events

First Day Hike Events


Thursday, January 1, 2026

Camp Liberty's Legacy: First Day Hike
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 9 AM to 10:30 AM
A.H. Stephens State Park - Crawfordville, GA
Start the New Year off on the right foot! Join us for a Ranger led hike on our Sunset Drive Nature Trail. We will hike past historic CCC buildings, talk about the 478th company, and go on a tour of the 1935 Fire Tower. Hike is an easy 1 mile meander on a paved trail. Bring water and wear appropriate shoes. Dogs must be on a 6 ft leash. $5 parking. 706-456-2602.
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First Day Hike 2026
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 9 AM to 11 AM
Fort Yargo State Park - Winder, GA
Come start the year on the right foot at our biggest annual event! We'll meet at the Area B boat ramp & hike out from the bridge on a 2 mile loop around the cove. Please pre-register early to ensure receipt of your coveted First Day Hike 2026 commemorative sticker! Supply is limited to the first 100 registrants for either of the First Day Hikes. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
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Fully Accessible First Day Hike
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 12 PM to 1 PM
Fort Yargo State Park - Winder, GA
Earn your coveted First Day Hike 2026 sticker! We'll hike out from the Visitor Center along the 1.2 mile paved Wilkins Greenway Trail. This guided hike takes us through our bird sanctuary by way of the old Birdberry Trail, and follows a small stream replete with evidence of beaver activity. This 2.5 mile round trip typically takes under an hour. $5 plus $5 parking. 770-867-3489.
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1st Day Hike
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 10 AM to 12 PM
George L. Smith State Park - Twin City, GA
First Day Hike on the first day of 2026! We will hike the 3 mile trail through the Mill House. For those who want a shorter hike the squirrel run trail is available also. Make plans to come join us, pets welcome but must be on a leash. $5 parking. 478-763-2759.
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First Day Hike 2026
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 10 AM to 11 AM
Mistletoe State Park - Appling, GA
Get the new year started off right! Join us on a ranger-lead hike on Cliatt Creek Trail. Get your coveted First Day Hike sticker celebrating our nation's 250th anniversary. We'll meet at the Nature Center at 10:00 AM before heading out. $5 plus $5 parking. 706-541-0321.
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New Year's 2026 FIRST DAY Hike on the Trail of Tears
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 10 AM to 12 PM
New Echota Historic Site - Calhoun, GA
Join the Rangers and Friends of New Echota volunteers as we start the new year with a glimpse into the past. Learn about Cherokee history and enjoy our Ranger guided nature trail walk. Rangers will lead a guided hike on New Town Creek Trail and through the historic Cherokee Capital of New Echota. 1.5-2 miles long, easy to moderate. $6-$8. 706-624-1321.
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Over hills and dales we'll make our way, a Ranger-led Hike on this First Day
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Pickett's Mill Battlefield Historic Site - Dallas, GA
Kick off the new year with a ranger-led and guided hike along the Red Trail. Join us as we explore history and nature as our first outdoor activity of 2026! Arrive at 9:00 a.m. to enjoy some " Cowboy coffee", hot chocolate, and samples of fresh, dutch oven-baked cinnamon roll bread. $5 parking. 770-443-7850.
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First Day Hike on Lake SIde Trail
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 12 PM to 1 PM
Red Top Mountain State Park - Acworth, GA
Start the New Year with an invigorating hike on the Lakeside Trail! Join us as we explore the history of Red Top and its iron mining, as well as the park's natural resources. We'll also be available to answer any questions that visitors may have. Don’t miss out on this fun experience! Call today to reserve your spot. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.
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First Day Hike: Dawn of the 250th
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 6:30 AM to 8 AM
Skidaway Island State Park - Savannah, GA
First Day Hike: Dawn of the 250th Step into history as we welcome the new year and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Join us at sunrise over the Skidaway marsh, where the golden light will illuminate the same breathtaking coastal views seen in 1776. Together, we’ll reflect on how this coast has changed since the nation’s founding and look forward to the future, one sunrise at a time. $5 parking. 912-598-2300.
Monumental Moments Event First Day Hike Event 
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Before the Sun Rises First Day Hike
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 5 AM to 6:30 AM
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA
This is the first of the first day hikes at Sweetwater Creek, kicking off at the crisp time of 5 am, before the sun even rises. We'll be hiking the purple trail and the blue trail. Close toed shoes required, please dress for the weather and bring water. pre-registration is require as this program is running outside of standard operating hours. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5801.
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Sunrise First Day Hike
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA
We'll be starting our right before sunrise and enjoying the early morning light on the trails. This hike is 3 miles on the white and green trails. Please wear close toes shoes, dress for the weather and bring water. Pre-registration is required as this hike starts prior to standard operating hours. 7 plus $5 parking. 770-732-2613.
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ADA First Day Hike
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 10 AM to 12 PM
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA
We'll have more details posted shortly. For more information in the mean time please email Adrian.Fox@dnr.ga.gov $5 parking. 770-732-2613.
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Children's First Day Hike to the Playground
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 1 PM to 2 PM
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA
This 1 mile hike will be taking folks straight to the play ground, and includes time for youth to play. There is a stroller friendly option. Please dress for the weather, wear close toed shoes and bring water. $3 plus $5 parking. 770-732-2613.
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Into the Mill Ruins, Starting the New Year by Looking to the Past
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA
This special history hike and mill tour will be incorporated into our first day hikes, 1 mile of hiking total. Please wear close toed shoes, dress for the weather and bring water. We'll be going inside the mill ruins. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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Last Chance! First Day Hike
Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 5:30 PM to 7 PM
Sweetwater Creek State Park - Lithia Springs, GA
This is your very last chance to be on a first day hike! We'll be meeting in front of the visitor center at 5:30 pm. Please wear close toed shoes, dress for the weather, bring a flashlight and water. We'll be doing the purple trail. $10 plus $5 parking. 770-732-5871.
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Saturday, January 3, 2026

First Saturday Hike of 2026
Saturday, Jan 3, 2026 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Chief Vann House Historic Site - Chatsworth, GA
Couldn't make the first day hike? No problem, bring the family to the Vann House for your first Saturday hike of the new year and receive a souvenir sticker. We'll be talking about history, looking for unique birds and plants on this one-mile, moderate level hike. Leashed dogs are welcome. The hike and sticker are included in admission. $5.25 - $7 706-695-2598.
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