Smoky the Bear New Year’s Eve Countdown

Maydale Nature Classroom 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville, MD, United States

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Smokey Bear! Enjoy various activities, a campfire with s’mores, and of course, a noon countdown to ring in the New Year!

$8

Lunchtime Meditation and Mindfulness (Virtual)

(DC) (Smithsonian Asian Art Museum) Meditation helps us build a relationship to a place of inner quietude. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled practitioner, join us for free online meditation sessions each week led by DC-based meditation teachers on Tuesdays and Fridays. Friday sessions include inspiration from art in the museum collections, much of which is inspired by nature, ...

New Year’s Eve Forest Bathing at National Arboretum

U.S. National Arboretum 24th & R St NE, Washington DC, United States

(DC) (Friends of the National Arboretum) Join our nature and forest therapy guide in this two-hour program that encourages you to slow down and take in the National Arboretum through all your senses. Forest bathing, or shinrin yoku, is the simple practice of taking in the woods through the senses for health benefits. The benefits are immense: boosted immunity, lowered ...

Free – $35

Sunrise Hike at Sky Meadows

Sky Meadows 11012 Edmonds Ln, Delaplan, VA

(VA) (Virginia State Parks) While Americans traditionally ring in the New Year at midnight on New Year's Eve, other cultures welcome it with the first sunrise of New Year's Day. Join rangers for this unique experience, witnessing the sky transition from dark to light as a new day and a new year dawns. While on top of the Piedmont Overlook, we will ...

Sunrise Hike at Burke Lake

Burke Lake Park 7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA, United States

(VA) (Fairfax County Parks) Take a hike with a naturalist in the early morning to view the stunning first sunrise of the year as it crests over the lake. Rejuvenate as you walk along the park trails and signal in the new year. Ages 4 to Adult.

$8

Virginia Parks First Day Hikes

(VA) (Virginia State Parks) State Parks throughout Virginia will be hosting guided and self-guided First Day Hikes. Sky Meadows Park will host four First Hike and related events on January 1st, and Mason Neck State Park will host three hike events. See guided and self-guided hikes throughout the Virginia park system here.

First Day Hike at Mason Neck

Mason Neck State Park 7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA, United States

(VA) (Virginia State Parks) Immerse yourself in the serene wooded landscape just after sunrise on New Year's Day, where the soft light filters through the trees and the sounds of nature come alive. This invigorating hike spans approximately 3.8 miles along a well-maintained packed dirt trail, which features a variety of terrain, including stairs and exposed tree roots that add ...

Maryland Parks First Day Hikes

(MD) (Maryland Park Service) State Parks throughout Maryland will be hosting guided and self-guided First Day Hikes. At Senecea Creek State Park enjoy a a self-guided, 3.7-mile loop hike along the Lakeshore Trail, featuring scenic winter views and chances to spot local wildlife, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Visit our Welcome Table to pick up a map, explore with field ...

DC Fresh Start 5K

Anacostia Park 1900 Anacostia Dr, Washington DC, United States

(DC) (DC Department of Parks and Recreation) Join Mayor Muriel Bowser, DPR, and FITDC  for the annual Fresh Start 5K Walk for that gets participants started on better health and fitness for the New Year! Registration and 5K Walk start at 1800 Anacostia Drive in Anacostia Park.

First Day Hike with Tundra Swans

Mason Neck State Park 7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA, United States

(VA) (Virginia State Parks) Tundra Swans are known for their striking white plumage and long, graceful necks, making them a favorite among birdwatchers. Each year, these incredible birds undertake a remarkable migration from their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra to warmer winter habitats. Meet rangers stationed at the observation decks at either the Woodmarsh Trail or Great Marsh Trail ...

First Day Hike at Meadowside

Meadowside Nature Center 5100 Meadowside Lane, United States

(MD) (Montgomery Parks) Join hundreds who step out into the new year with a first day hike of 2025. We will walk about 2-3 miles the early afternoon on natural surface trails. Pending trail conditions, hiking locations will either be to hike around Lake Frank or a local trail near Meadowside and an email will be set with details to ...

Free

First Day Hike at Little Falls

Little Falls Stream Valley Park 6300 Little Falls Pkwy, Bethesda, MD, United States

(MD) (Little Falls Watershed Alliance) Join us for a fun and refreshing hike on the first day of the year! Find the mouth of the Little Falls creek on the Potomac!

Capital Nature