Virginia State Parks Open For Annual ‘First Day Hike' On New Year's Day

By Charlotte Rene Woods, Virginia Mercury

January 1, 2026

Virginia is again joining the nationwide First Day Hikes initiative on Thursday, Jan. 1, to encourage residents to explore its state parks.

The hikes have become an annual tradition and parking will be free at all state parks; visitors will also receive a commemorative sticker, while supplies last, to mark the day.

State parks in the Hampton Roads area include:

• Chippokes, Surry
• False Cape, Virginia Beach
• First Landing, Virginia Beach
• Kiptopeke, Cape Charles
• Machicomoco, Hayes
• York River, Williamsburg

Most parks offer more than one guided hike or program, so check each park’s site for more information. Dogs are welcome (unless noted on a park’s site) as long as they are on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Visit dcr.virginia.gov for more information.

This story was originally published by the Virginia Mercury. For more stories from the Virginia Mercury, visit VirginiaMercury.com.