North Carolina’s state parks are inviting residents and visitors to lace up their hiking boots and embrace the outdoors on New Year’s Day with First Day Hikes across the region. The annual nationwide tradition offers guided opportunities to explore some of northeastern North Carolina’s most distinctive natural landscapes, from ancient cypress swamps to coastal marshes.
All of the events are free to attend.
NE North Carolina: Hiking Opportunities
Merchants Millpond State Park
GATESVILLE — Hikers can join park staff at 10 a.m. Jan. 1, 2026, for a guided walk on the Bennetts Creek Trail at Merchants Millpond State Park, located at 176 Millpond Road, Gatesville. The park centers on a 760-acre millpond more than 190 years old, where old-growth cypress trees adorned with Spanish moss create an “enchanted forest,” particularly at Lassiter Swamp.
Park Ranger David Schafer described the hike as an easy 2-mile stroll on the Coleman Trail, where participants will learn about the park’s history and the flora and fauna that inhabit it. The trail traverses multiple ecological communities including pine, hardwood forest, and swamps. Winter visitors can enjoy open vistas of the millpond free of heavy vegetation, and the park is home to American alligators at the northernmost point of their range.
Salmon Creek State Natural Area
BERTIE COUNTY — Later in the day, park ranger Katie Sanford will lead an approximately 2-mile leisurely hike at 11 a.m. at Bertie Beach, a county-owned property adjoining Salmon Creek State Natural Area in Merry Hill. The hike begins at 243 Bal Gra Road and will explore local plants and wildlife while sharing some of the area’s history.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
NAGS HEAD — Join Ranger Austin for the last hike of the year on Dec. 31, 2025, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. The start will be at the pavilion beside the park visitor center, 300 W. Carolista Drive, Nags Head.
Dismal Swamp State Park
At Dismal Swamp State Park in Camden County, hikers should meet at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 1, at the visitor center, 2294 US 17 N, South Mills, for a walk through history on Canal Road. The hike welcomes children, strollers, and leashed pets.
Goose Creek State Park
Goose Creek State Park, 2190 Camp Leach Road, Washington, will host a special 2026 First Day Hike Polar Plunge beginning at 11 a.m. Jan. 1, adding a celebratory element to the traditional hike. The event requests donations of non-perishable items.
Preregistration can be made by calling 252.923.2191 or by visiting the swim beach between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on the day of the event.
There will be s’mores, food trucks and coffee.
Important Information for Hikers
All Last Day and First Day Hikes are free and open to the public. Participants should dress for the weather and wear appropriate walking shoes. It’s recommended to bring water, and, where noted, leashed pets are welcome.
The First Day Hike initiative is part of a nationwide program coordinated by state parks across America to encourage outdoor recreation and connect people with nature as they begin the new year. These guided experiences offer seasoned hikers and newcomers alike the opportunity to explore North Carolina’s diverse ecosystems with knowledgeable park rangers.
For more information about specific events or to learn about other First Day Hikes throughout North Carolina, visit the NC State Parks website at ncparks.gov or check the event calendar at events.dncr.nc.gov.