A new year brings new possibilities, fresh perspectives, and 365 days of opportunities to discover the world around us. What better way to welcome 2027 than stepping outside, breathing in the fresh winter air, and experiencing the beauty and wonder of Alabama State Parks?
First Day Hikes is part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks, inviting people in all 50 states to start the year outdoors. On January 1, thousands of people will gather in state parks nationwide to explore trails, connect with nature, and celebrate the simple joys of being outside together.
Here in Alabama, our knowledgeable park naturalists, staff, and volunteers are ready to welcome you! Whether you're watching the first sunrise of the year, discovering winter wildlife, exploring waterfalls and forest trails, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk with family and friends, there's a First Day Hike waiting for you.
With a variety of distances, difficulty levels, and accessible experiences, First Day Hikes offer opportunities for people of different ages, interests, and abilities to participate. More than a walk in the woods, each hike invites you to discover something new, make lasting memories, and start a year filled with outdoor adventures.
Every participant will receive a special Alabama State Parks First Day Hike 2027 commemorative sticker to celebrate their first outdoor adventure of the new year!
Learn more about First Day Hikes nationwide.
A whole new year of discovery awaits. Come outside with us!
Make your plans to join us on January 1 for one of the Alabama State Parks First Day Hikes:
Buck’s Pocket State Park
First Day Hike 2027: Morgan’s Cove
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Cost: $5 per person
First Day Hike 2027: Morgan's Cove | Alabama State Parks
Cathedral Caverns State Park
First Day Hike 2027: Yellow Trail
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Cost: $5 per person (Does not include cave admission fee)
First Day Hike 2027: Yellow Trail | Alabama State Parks
Cheaha State Park
First Day Hike 2027: Bigfoot Adventure at Cheaha State Park
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
$5 per person (includes park admission)
First Day Hike: Bigfoot's New Year Adventure at Cheaha State Park | Alabama State Parks
Cheaha State Park
Accessible First Day Hike at Cheaha State Park: Mountain Immersion & Winter Senses
Time: 1:00 PM– 2:00 PM
Cost: $5 per person (includes park admission)
Awaken Your Senses: Accessible First Day Hike at Cheaha State Park | Alabama State Parks
Chewacla State Park
First Day Hike 2027: Chewacla Falls
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Cost: Free with Park Admission
First Day Hike 2027: Chewacla Falls | Alabama State Parks
Chewacla State Park
First Day Hike 2027: Hidden Falls
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Cost: Free with Park Admission
First Day Hike 2027: Hidden Falls | Alabama State Parks
DeSoto State Park
First Day Hike 2027: Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Quarry
Time: 9:30 AM-11:00 AM
Cost: Free
2027 First Day Hike-CCC Quarry | Alabama State Parks
DeSoto State Park
First Day Hike 2027: Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Trailside Shelter Along Little River
Time: 1:00-2:30 PM
Cost: Free
First Day Hike- CCC Trailside Shelter Along Little River | Alabama State Parks
Gulf State Park
First Day Hike 2027: Beach Stroll
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Cost: Free
First Day Hike 2027 | Alabama State Parks
Joe Wheeler State Park
First Day Hike 2027: The Champion Trail
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 per person
First Day Hike at Joe Wheeler State Park 2027 | Alabama State Parks
Lake Guntersville State Park
First Day Hike 2027: Seales Trail
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $5 per person
First Day Hike 2027: Seales Trail | Alabama State Parks
Lakepoint State Park
First Day Hike 2027: Discovery Trek
9:00 AM –12:00 PM
Cost: $3/person
First Day Hike 2027: Discovery Trek | Alabama State Parks
Monte Sano State Park
First Day Hike 2027: Sunrise Accessibility Hike
5:30 AM-7:30 AM
Cost: Free with Park Admission
First Day Hike 2027: Sunrise Accessibility Hike | Alabama State Parks
Monte Sano State Park
First Day Hike 2027: North Plateau Trek
10:00 AM -12:00 PM
Cost: Free with Park Admission
First Day Hike 2027: North Plateau Trek | Alabama State Parks
Oak Mountain State Park
First Day Hike 2027: King’s Chair
5:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Cost: Free with Park Admission– FRONT GATE ENTRANCE ONLY UNTIL 7 AM
First Day Hike: Sunrise Hike to King's Chair 2026 | Alabama State Parks
Rickwood Caverns
First Day Hike 2027: Karst Trail
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Cost: $5 per person (Does not include cave admission fee)
First Day Hike 2027: Karst Trail | Alabama State Parks
Wind Creek State Park
First Day Hike 2027: Speckled Snake Trail
10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Cost: Free with paid Park Admission
First Day Hike 2027: Speckled Snake Trail | Alabama State Parks
