First Day Hikes 2026

Start the year with an adventure in the great outdoors! 

Whether you're looking to kickstart a healthy habit or just enjoy the fresh air, there's no better way to begin the year than with a hike.

First Day Hikes take place in state parks across the country, offering a variety of trails for everyone to enjoy. From short strolls to more challenging hikes, these events are an opportunity to explore nature, start the year on the right foot and be part of a community of outdoor enthusiasts. 

In Florida, with 175 state parks to choose from, you have plenty of options to explore. Many parks offer ranger-led hikes, but you're also welcome to strike out on your own — just grab a map from the ranger station or print one before you go!

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, participating in a First Day Hike is a great way to begin the year. Don’t miss out on a chance to connect with nature and make 2026 your best year yet!

Check out the events below to find an event near you, or go your own way. 

Find an Event Near You

Northwest Florida and the Panhandle

• First Day Hike, Camp Helen State Park, Bay County.
• First Day Hike, Blackwater River State Park, Okaloosa County.
• First Day Hike, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, Clay County.
• First Day Hike, Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, Holmes County.
• First Day Hike, St. Andrews State Park, Bay County.
• First Day Hike, Tarklin Bayou Reserve State Park, Escambia County.
• First Day Hike, T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Gulf County.

North Central Florida

• First Day Hike, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Citrus County.
• First Day Hike, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, Alachua County.
• First Day Hike, Suwannee River State Park, Suwannee County.

Central Florida

• First Day Dunk, De Leon Springs State Park, Volusia County.
• First Day Hike, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach, Flagler County.
• First Day Hike, Sebastian Inlet State Park, Indian River County.
• First Day Hike, Silver Springs State Park, Marion County.
• First Day Hike, Tomoka State Park, Volusia County.

Southwest Florida

• First Day Hike, Caladesi Island State Park, Pinellas County.
• First Day Hike, Collier-Seminole State Park, Collier County.
• First Day Hike, Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Sumpter County.
• First Day Hike, Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Lee County.
• First Day Hike, Myakka River State Park, Sarasota County.
• First Day Hike, Oscar Scherer State Park, Sarasota County.

South Florida

• First Day Hike, Curry Hammock State Park Nature Trail, Monroe County.
• First Day Hike, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, Monroe County.
• First Day Hike, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Broward County.
• First Day Hike, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Palm Beach County.
• First Day Hike, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Monroe County.
• First Day Hike, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, St. Lucie County.
• First Day Hike, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Monroe County.
• First Day Hike, Long Key State Park, Monroe County.
• First Day Hike, Oleta River State Park, Miami-Dade County.
• First Day Hike, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, Monroe County.

Hiking Safety

Hiking is fun and a healthy way to exercise. Here are few tips:

• Stay on the trail. Wandering off the trail can cause erosion and you could be injured or become lost.
• Be courteous and observe trail etiquette. Communicate with others as you pass.
• Bring supplies. You’ll need drinking water, insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes to help prevent injury.
• Never feed or touch wildlife. If you encounter wildlife on the trail, keep your distance and back away slowly.

See you on the trail!