First Day Hikes on New Years Day start the year off right

Take a hike on New Years Day and kick off the New Year by being active with First Day Hikes in Central Ohio or across the US! Start the New Year outdoors with fresh air, scenic trails, and a renewed focus on health and wellness.

First Day Hikes are a popular New Years Day tradition across the United States. You’ll find these new year, new you hikes through Central Ohio, including select local metro parks and at some State Parks with ODNR.

But you don’t have to hike with a group! Grab your friends or family and hit the trails in your favorite place to hike!

Columbus Metro Parks First Day Hike

Start the New Year off by hitting the trails and check Clear Creek off on your Metro Parks Winter Hike card on January 1 at 10 am.

Choose from a guided 4.5-mile or 7.5-mile hike. Both hikes will start together. The 7.5-mile hike will involve some off-trail hiking. Terrain at Clear Creek is rugged, steep and uneven in places. Bring water and wear sturdy hiking shoes.

Meet at the Creekside Meadows Parking Lot: 23833 Clear Creek Road, Rockbridge. Carpooling is recommended due to limited parking. Details here. 

Metro Parks Annual Winter Hike Series and Celebration

New Year’s Day Hike at Preservation Parks Char-Mar Ridge Park 

Kick off the new year by joining Preservation Parks for the annual first hike of the year at Char-Mar Ridge Park on January 1 at 10 am. Hike 1.5 miles, and then celebrate with hot refreshments in the Visitor Center. The trail is gravel with some elevation change.

New Year’s Day Hike at Char-Mar Ridge Park

ODNR First Day Hikes

Plan a visit to one of Ohio state parks offering First Day hikes. All 13 locations featuring naturalist-led tours that reveal the unique natural and cultural stories behind Ohio’s landscapes.

Each First Day Hike is family-friendly, ensuring everyone from seasoned adventurers to first-time hikers can find a trail to suit their pace and preferences. Participants will also receive a special sticker commemorating the Winter Hike program, while supplies last.

Ohio’s First Day Hikes are part of the nationwide First Day Hikes in America’s State Parks program, which includes more than 1,000 hikes across all 50 states. This initiative, which began more than 30 years ago, has inspired millions to explore the outdoors every New Year’s Day.

See the hikes closer to Central Ohio, or the full list here. 

ODNR Winter Hike Series at Hueston Woods State Park
When: Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 10 a.m.
Location: 6301 Park Office Rd. College Corner, OH 45003
Details: Join the Naturalist for a 1.5-mile hike

ODNR Winter Hike Series at Caesar Creek State Park
When: Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 1 p.m.
Location: Meet at the Nature Center 4006 Pioneer Village Road Waynesville, Ohio 45068
Details: Start the New Year on the right foot! Join the naturalist for a guided three-mile moderate hike through Pioneer Village to Horseshoe Falls, across the Swinging Bridge and back. This is a general naturalist hike, all ages welcome. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, dress for the weather. Trails can be muddy.

ODNR Winter Hike Series at Salt Fork State Park
When: Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 1 p.m.
Location: Stonehouse Trail Parking Lot
Details: Hike into the New Year on this 1.8-mile round trip hike

ODNR Winter Hike Series at Indian Lake State Park
When: Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 1 p.m.
Location: Pew Island parking lot, 10160 Co Rd 286, Huntsville, Ohio 43324
Details: Start your new year off right with a New Years Day Walk with our naturalist! Our walk will be just under a mile long over easy terrain. All are welcome! Please wear walking shoes and dress for the weather. Walk is weather dependent. Pets are welcome!

ODNR Winter Hike Series at Deer Creek State Park
When: Wednesday, January 1, 2025, 3 p.m.
Location: Deer Creek Nature Center
Details: Come start the year with a hike on the Hawkview Meadow Trail with the Naturalist.