NextThreeDays: Event Display

First Day Hikes 2025
Venue: Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin
Directions: Google Map Link
Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Event Types: Miscellaneous, Family Friendly
Cost: Free

Sponsored Content:

Feature Your Company/Event Here

Description:
Claytor Lake State Park presents First Day Hikes 2024 on Monday, January 1, 2024.

Join our rangers on the first day of the New Year with some fun hikes or blaze your own trail. First Day Hike bumper stickers will be available for free at the Contact Station as well as at the Gift Shop from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM while supplies last.

Every year on January 1st, Virginia State Parks celebrates First Day Hikes. This nationwide initiative invites people to ring in the new year by connecting with nature and making lasting memories at a state park. Ranger-led and self-guided First Day Hikes are offered across the state, giving visitors of all ages and skill levels the chance to explore outdoors. January 1st is also a Free Parking Day at all Virginia State Parks.

Schedule of Events:
• 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Trick Your Stick at the Meeting Facility:
What is the perfect sized walking stick for you? Bring your own stick or take one of ours and use the provided crafting supplies to create your own uniquely designed item.

• 10:00 AM - Bird Watching Hike at the Howe House:
Have you ever wondered about the birds in your area? Join Master Naturalist Judy McCord on a short hike to learn all the tricks and tips of bird watching and how to identify some of our common species.

• 1:00 PM - Vernal Pool Hike at the Camp. C Lot:
Ever wondered where salamanders live? Have you heard of fairy shrimp? Join Master Naturalist Judy McCord for a short hike to our vernal pools and learn what it is and what critters reside there.

• 2:00 PM - Sappy Wednesday at Howe House:
If weather permits, we'll kick off our maple syrup program series. We'll take a short stroll to ID different maple trees and we'll briefly cover how you can make and enjoy syrup from your own backyard. Sappy Saturday's will also be at 2:00 PM on January 11th and 25th.

Or create your own experience during the event on one of our many trails or simply hike along the waterfront to stretch your eyes or reset your mind. Self-guided activity brochures will be available.

To view the self-guided hikes, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/data/events/upload-assets/self-guided-programs-brochure2025.pdf.

Admission and parking are free on this first day of the year and all are welcome.

For more information, visit: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2024-09-15-10-49-57-574461-lqd or https://www.facebook.com/vaspclaytorlake or call 540-643-2500.