January First Day Hikes
January 1, 2026
Redbud Trail Hike at Mayo River Trails in VA
January 1, 2026. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join us in the New Year in exploring the future Mayo River State Park! Follow in the footsteps of the surveying team of William Byrd II as you discover some interesting facts about local wildlife, as well as the history of the Native Americans who once inhabited the area.
The Redbud Trail is approximately two miles long. Since the trails are still in development, trail conditions are fairly uneven.
To reach the parking lot from Route 58, turn onto the Horsepasture-Price Road at The Old Country Store and travel 3.6 miles to Moore's Mill Road. Turn right on Moore's Mill and travel 4.4 miles to Pratt Road. Turn left on Pratt Road and travel 0.5 miles to the trailhead parking lot.
The address is 500 Pratt Road, Spencer, VA 24165. GPS occasionally tells you you have arrived at your destination before you reach the parking lot. If you haven't reached the trails yet, keep going. The parking lot is located at the end of a cul-de-sac on your right. The GPS coordinates of the parking lot are: 36.56131, -80.00666.
For more information, see the VA State Parks Website.
Lakeshore Trail Hike at Fairy Stone State Park
Fairy Stone State Park, 967 Fairystone Lake Dr., Stuart, VA 24171.
Amphitheater Trailhead
When
Jan. 1, 2026. 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hike along the shoreline of Fairy Stone Lake and discover how the Civilian Conservation Corps created the lake and other park features as they helped to bring our country out of the Great Depression. Explore the secrets of several wildlife species which share the environment with us. A short discussion about Philpott Lake will be conducted at the end of the trial at the Fairy Stone Dam Spillway. The trail is approximately one mile long with steep elevation changes.
For more information, see the VA State Parks Website.
Mayo River State Park- Hike the Fox Trail in NC!
January 1, 2026
9:00 AM -11:00 AM
500 Old Mayo Park Road Mayodan NC 27027
Come along for a Ranger-led First Day Hike. We will be hiking along the 1.8 Mile Fox Trail loop with minimal stops to talk about the history of our nation in celebration of its 250 year anniversary.
Meeting location is at the Mayo Mountain Access parking lot. The Fox Trail is a easy-moderate 1.8 mile hike, please bring hiking shoes, a jacket and water.
If you have further questions, please call the park office at (336) 916-6080.
For more information, see the NC State Parks Website.
Hanging Rock State Park: First Day Hike at Hanging Rock!
(3.6 miles, suggested age 14+)
January 1, 2026
10:00 AM -1:00 PM
1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Westfield, NC 27016
Rock in the new year with a first day hike on the Hanging Rock Trail. This moderate trail winds up the mountain through the deciduous forest, with a glimpse of the views as you gain in elevation. At the top you will rest upon quartzite rock cliff that juts out over the landscape. Enjoy spectacular views of the park below and the Blue Ridge Mountains. We will offer a New Years Reflection Journal experience, journals will be provided, or you can bring your own. Average hiking distance and time is 1.8miles/1.5 hours, distance is one way. This program is appropriate for ages 14+ but all are welcome.
You can register for this hike by emailing Claire Greene at Andra-Claire.Greene@ncparks.gov.
Hanging Rock State Park: First Day Hike – To The Tower!
(moderate to challenging, register)
January 1, 2026
1:00 PM -4:00 PM
Upper Camp Ground Loop 1280 Campground Rd., Danbury, NC 27016
Join Ranger Fields and Ranger Mitchell on this moderate to challenging hike to the old fire tower on top of the mountain. This is the highest point of the park, and quite possibly the “best view” of the surrounding area that Hanging Rock State Park provides. Please dress for the weather and anticipate shedding layers as the hike continues. Bring water/snacks and a hiking pole (recommended). Dogs are welcome on this hike. We will be taking a different route than usual and will meet at the upper campsite loop. For questions and to sign up for this program, email jacob.fields@ncparks.gov.
