Every year, many North Carolina State Parks host First Day Hikes led by park staff. We’ll be listing the First Day Hikes at parks relatively close to Charlotte as they’re announced.
First Day Hike — Early Bird Fitness Hike at Lake Norman State Park
Monday, January 1, 2024
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Lake Norman State Park Visitor Center
759 State Park Road, Troutman, NC
Free
Help Lake Norman kick off the New Year right with a First Day Hike! We will be offering two ranger-led guided hikes.
This hike is for early birds and we will hike 1.5 miles on the Hawk Loop Trail.
Be sure to dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring plenty of water. Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided by the Friends of Lake Norman State Park.
Meet at the visitor center.
Not into big crowds? Come out to hike on your own anytime during park hours on Jan. 1, but don’t forget to grab your First Day Hike sticker from the visitor center! Hope to see you there to ring in 2024!
First Day Hike — Late Afternoon Stroll at Lake Norman State Park
Monday, January 1, 2024
4 to 5 p.m.
Lake Norman State Park Visitor Center
759 State Park Road, Troutman, NC
Free
Help Lake Norman kick off the New Year right with a First Day Hike! We will be offering two ranger-led guided hikes.
This hike is a late afternoon stroll for 0.8 mile.
Be sure to dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring plenty of water. Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided by the Friends of Lake Norman State Park.
Meet at the visitor center.
Not into big crowds? Come out to hike on your own anytime during park hours on Jan. 1, but don’t forget to grab your First Day Hike sticker from the visitor center! Hope to see you there to ring in 2024!
First Day Hike at Morrow Mountain State Park
Monday, January 1st, 2024
10 to 11 a.m.
Morrow Mountain State Park
49104 Morrow Mountain Road
Albemarle, NC
Free
Join us for a ranger-guided hike and get 2024 started off on the right foot (pun intended). Learn about the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps at Morrow Mountain, as well as the native wildlife of the Uwharrie region.
We will hike the 0.6-mile Quarry Trail loop, which is rated an easy trail.
Meet at the lower picnic parking area. This is the large parking area below the swimming pool.
First Day Hike: 3 Parks, 2 States, 1 Trail Hike
Monday, January 1, 2024
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kings Mountain State Park
1277 Park Road, Blacksburg, SC
Admission to Kings Mountain State Park: $3 for adults; $1 for children ages 6-15; Free for children under 5; $1.50 for SC seniors
This hike begins in South Carolina at 10 a.m. at the CCC Bathhouse Trailhead at Kings Mountain State Park (please note: Kings Mountain State Park charges an entrance fee). We will hike the Ridgeline Trail to Crowders Mountain State Park, expecting to arrive at the Boulders access around 1 p.m. This is a moderate 5.6-mile hike along the beautiful Ridgeline Trail and will also pass through Kings Mountain National Military Park.
Bring water, binoculars, insect repellent and a camera, if you would like. Wear proper hiking shoes and dress for the weather!
A shuttle will be provided to take hikers back to their vehicles parked at Kings Mountain. For more information, please visit the Kings Mountain State Park’s website.
First Day Hike: Boulders Overlook Hike
Monday, January 1, 2024
1:30 to 3 p.m.
Crowders Mountain State Park, Boulders Access
108 Vandyke Road, Kings Mountain, NC
Free
This hike begins at the Boulders Access at 1:30 p.m. This moderate hike is approximately 2 miles, offering majestic views and an opportunity to explore unique rock outcroppings.
This afternoon hike is led and sponsored by the Friends of Crowders Mountain. Visit their website to learn more about how you can support their work for the park.
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