Sunrise Over A Scenic Landscape. — Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham offers a First Day Sunrise Hike to King’s Chair Overlook, which is recognized as one of Alabama’s most breathtaking long-range vistas. (Photo by Lauren Massey | Alabama State Parks)

Alabama State Parks is once again offering “First Day Hikes” throughout the park system on January 1, 2026.

“The First Day Hikes are the perfect way to start the new year. Our State Parks are home to hundreds of miles of the very best trails found anywhere in America, and First Day Hikes are a chance to start the new year off right. For anyone who’s never been on a First Day Hike at an Alabama State Park, consider this your invitation. We want to see you on the trails this year.”
Chris Blankenship, Commissioner, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

First Day Hikes, part of a national movement

A View Of A Forest From A Cliff — View from King’s Chair at Oak Mountain State Park. (Bham Now)

Alabama’s First Day Hikes are part of the National First Day Hike Program, which includes events in all 50 states. The hikes will put an exclamation mark on the past, Year of Alabama Trails, a statewide initiative led by the Alabama Tourism Department that celebrates the state’s network of trails and invites adventurers of all ages to explore Alabama’s most scenic landscapes.

Below are the participating State Parks and registration info:

Buck’s Pocket State Park — First Day Hike 2026: Kings Chapel Trail January 1, 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM,

First Day Hike 2026: South Sauty Trail | Alabama State Parks

Cathedral Caverns State Park — First Day Hike, Jan. 1, 2026, 9:30AM – 11:00AM,- Register HERE

Cheaha State Park —First Day Sunset Hike, January 1, 2026, 4:15PM – 6:15PM

First Day Sunset Hike | Alabama State Parks

Cheaha State Park – First Day Hike for All! January 1, 2026, 10:00AM – 11:00AM, Register HERE.

Chewacla State Park — First Day Hike to Chewacla Falls, Jan. 1, 2026, 9:00 AM-10:30AM, Register HERE

DeSoto State Park — New Year’s Day-2026- DeSoto State Park Waterfall Hike , January 1, 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

New Year’s Day-2026- DeSoto State Park Waterfall Hike | Alabama State Parks

DeSoto State Park — New Year’s Day-2026- Adventure Hike to DeSoto Falls Basin, January 1, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Gulf State Park — Annual First Day Hike 2026, Jan. 1, 2026, 9:00AM – 11:00AM qt Orange Beach Sportsplex, Register HERE.

Joe Wheeler State Park — First Day Hike, Jan. 1, 2026, 10:00AM – 12:00PM, Register HERE.

Lake Guntersville State Park — First Day Hike 2026: Benny Bobo Accessible Trail, January 1, 2026, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

First Day Hike 2026: Benny Bobo Accessible Trail | Alabama State Parks

Lake Guntersville State Park — First Day Hike 2026: Kings Chapel Trail, January 1, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

First Day Hike 2026: Kings Chapel Trail | Alabama State Parks

Person Standing On Rocky Cliff — The First Day Hike Sunset Hike at Cheaha State Park follows the Pulpit Rock Trail, which offers panoramic views of the Talladega National Forest. (Josh Bean / Alabama State Parks)

Lakepoint State Park — First Day Hike, Jan. 1, 2026, 10:00AM – 12:00PM, Register HERE.

Meaher State Park — First Day Hike: Sunset on the Delta: Jan. 1, 2026, 4:30PM – 7:00PM, Register HERE.

Monte Sano State Park — First Day Hike: Jan. 1, 2026, 10:00AM – 12:00 PM, Register HERE.

Oak Mountain State Park — First Day Hike 2026: Sunrise at King’s Chair Overlook, January 1, 2026, 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM

First Day Hike 2026: Sunrise at King’s Chair Overlook | Alabama State Parks

Rickwood Caverns State Park — First Day Hike, Jan. 1, 2026, 2:30 PM – 4:00PM, Register HERE.

Wind Creek State Park — First Day Hike!, January 1, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00PM, Register HERE.

Perfect start for 2026

Meaher State Park Campground Alabama — The campgrounds at Meaher State Park received upgrades, especially for RV visitors. (Alabama State Parks)

Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps summed the First Day Hike program best:

“There’s no better way to start the new year than by lacing up your hiking boots and getting your family into nature,” said. It’s the perfect way to start 2026 on the right foot.”

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