First Day Hikes 2025

Start the year with an adventure in the great outdoors! 

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

Start the year with an adventure in the great outdoors! Whether you're looking to kickstart a new healthy habit or simply want to 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 provide the perfect opportunity to explore nature and start the year on the right foot.

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. Simply grab a map from the ranger station or print one before you go, and discover the beauty of each park at your own pace.

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 with a healthy and memorable experience. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with nature and make 2025 your best year yet!

Find an Event Near You

Northwest Florida and the Panhandle

• First Day Hike, Camp Helen State Park, Bay County.
• First Day Hike, Florida Caverns State Park, Jackson County.
• First Day Hike, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State, Okaloosa County.
• First Day Hike, St. Andrews State Park, Bay County.
• First Day Hike, T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Gulf County.
• First Day Hike, Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park, Escambia County.

North Central Florida

• First Day Hike, Crystal River Preserve State Park, Citrus and Levy counties.
• First Day Hike, Dudley Farm Historic State Park, Alachua County.
• First Day Hike, Fanning Springs State Park, Gilchrist County.
• First Day Swim, Madison Blue Spring State Park, Madison County.
• First Day Hike, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Alachua County.
• First Day Hike, Price's Scrub State Park, Marion County.
• First Day Hike, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, Clay County.

Central Florida

• First Day Hike, De Leon Springs State Park, Volusia County.
• First Day Hike, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach, Flagler County.
• First Day Hike, Tomoka State Park., Volusia County.

Southwest Florida

• First Day Hike, Collier-Seminole State Park, Collier County.
• First Day Hike, Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, Sumter County.
• First Day Hike, Highlands Hammock State Park, Highlands, Hardee counties.
• First Day Hike, Hillsborough River State Park, Hillsborough County.

South Florida

• First Day Hike, Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park, Martin County.
• First Day Hike, Bahia Honda State Park, Monroe County.
• First Day Hike, Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Broward County.
• First Day Hike, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Monroe County.
• First Day Hike, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Broward County.
• First Day Hike, Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Martin 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, Oleta River State Park, Miami-Dade 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.

Hiking not your thing?

There are many other ways to experience our state parks this new year. Biking is a great way to stay active and see the trails - both dirt and paved - that wind through our parks. Some trails allow for horseback riding or bringing a leashed dog to explore with you.

Getting out on the water is always popular, too! State parks offer rivers, lakes and bays that are perfect for paddling. Be sure to grab your fishing rod, as we offer both freshwater and saltwater fishing for anglers of all types.  

Walking on a First Day Hike can provide opportunity for reflection on the year past or imagining the year to come. And when February comes and reality has had a chance to push back on your resolutions, …the Real Florida will still be here to help you refresh and re-focus.