(MD) (Maryland State Parks) Maryland State Parks will be offering First Day Hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2025 - January 2, 2026. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities on the first day of the new year! Join us in ...
(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Grab your coats and cameras and join the fun on New Year’s Day along more than 334 miles of Park Authority trails. Join the amazingly popular First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest while you walk! Participation is simple. Visit any FCPA trail on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Take a photo to commemorate the experience and submit it ...
(VA) (Virginia State Parks) Start the New Year with a visit to one of 44 Virginia State Parks! Taking a hike to inspire those New Year resolutions centered on getting or keeping fit is the perfect family-friendly activity. It's the perfect time to start your Trail Quest! This year, DCR will be hosting a few guided hikes at natural area ...
(MD) (Natural History Society of Maryland) Start the new year off right: outdoors for a wintery hike with naturalist Kerry Wixted. We’ll be on the lookout for winter birds and mammal signs and practicing our winter botany skills along the way. We will start hiking in a slightly hilly area filled with beech trees, then wind down to the former ...
(VA) (Arlington Parks) Learn about the animals active at night (nocturnal) and try to find some! There will be a short introductory presentation in the nature center followed by a hike outside around the park. We will stay on the walking paths; dress for the weather. Families.
(VA) (Northern Virginia Bird Alliance) Join us for a winter waterfowl watch at the beautiful Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, “an oasis for migratory birds and busy city residents seeking a quiet escape from development.” On this guided walk, you’ll explore the refuge’s diverse waterfowl species with naturalist Andreas Seiter.
(DC) (National Park Service) The Boulder Bridge Loop is a ranger favorite: creek views, towering forests, steep ridge climbs, and long enough to feel like you’ve gotten a workout. Join a ranger on this 3.5 mile hike through the diverse trees, traipse across two bridges, and summit the Western Ridge trail all while learning about the park from an expert. ...
(DC) (National Park Service) Does a cold winter’s day in Washington have you picturing furtive meetings between shadowy characters under overcast skies? Running along Embassy Row, Rock Creek Park has been the site of spy stories and neighbor to many spies. Join a Park Ranger for a 2.5 mile hike through Rock Creek and learn the story of spies in ...
