New Years resolutions often contain pledges to get more exercise. South Carolina State Parks is helping to push folks along to success by providing a running start on New Year’s Day with park ranger-led First Day Hikes.
What better way to kick off the New Year than with a visit to Hunting Island, or one of our other amazing South Carolina State Parks.
These (free) hikes provide a means for individuals and families to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature. For many, it has become a tradition.
Hunting Island State Park will help to kick-start your year of celebrating the outdoors with an easy 1.5-mile ranger-led hike on the Nature Center Scenic Trail. Along the way, you’ll observe the plants and animals that call Hunting Island home and discuss what it means to be a barrier island. If you plan to attend, do yourself a favor and wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothes, and bring water and bug spray.
Hunting Island is offering two First Day Hikes along the Nature Center Scenic Trail; one from 7 to 8am, and another from 10 to 11am. You can register for either one by visiting this link.
In all, 42 out of the 47 state parks in South Carolina will be hosting a First Day Hike, and events include traditional hikes, horseback rides, bike rides, and even 5Ks.
Visitors will receive a commemorative sticker and a car decal when they visit their favorite state park on New Year’s Day, while supplies last.
Visit this link to find out what’s going on in your neck of the Palmetto State.
Share your 2026 First Day Hike moments with us by using #SCStateParks and #FirstDayHikes on social media.
Learn more about Hunting Island, before and after it became our favorite state park. There’s always so much history to learn.
