13 trails where you can embark on a First Day Hike in Pennsylvania

A First Day Hike is a rejuvenating way to usher in a new year, and Pennsylvania’s state parks will host more than 70 guided hikes on Jan. 1.

The tradition of taking a hike on New Year’s Day has been practiced at some U.S. state parks for more than 30 years and became a formal  tradition via the National Association of State Park Directors in 2012. By taking a first day hike, you can get a head start on your resolutions to get outside more or exercise more, all while exploring the natural beauty of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s state parks—which are completely free to enter—will host more than 70 guided hikes on the first day of 2025. Many require registration in advance, so be sure to plan ahead. We’ve put together a list of some of these hikes across the state—you can also check the website of a state park near you to see if a guided hike is scheduled.

Be sure to dress for the weather—early January will be cold and possibly icy or snowy. Then, pull on your hiking shoes, head to a Pa. state park or a nearby trail, and get ready to feel rejuvenated in the fresh air.

We’ll meet you at the trailhead!

WESTERN REGION

Laurel Hill State Park, Somerset

From 1 to 3 p.m., park staff will lead a 4-mile hike over the moderate terrain  of Old Growth Forest, or enjoy a 2.5 mile family-friendly hike along Laurel Hill Lake.

Maurice K. Goddard State Park, Sandy Lake

Start off the New Year with an evening hike. Starting at 6 p.m., hikers interested in doing a 2-mile hike along the John C. Oliver Multi-Purpose Loop can meet up at Launch 4. Bring a flashlight and binoculars, if possible. Registration is required.

Want a self-guided hike? 

Jonathan Run Trail at Ohiopyle State Park, Ohiopyle

This trail, just over 1.5 miles long, should be your New Year’s hike choice if you want to view waterfalls in winter. You’ll be able to view both the Upper Falls and Lower Falls of Jonathan Run, but there are also other, smaller waterfalls along the trail, including Sugar Run Falls and Fechter Run Falls. 

EASTERN REGION

Marsh Creek State Park, Downingtown

Marsh Creek State Park, located about an hour from Philly, will host a guided hike from West Launch, along the White and Blue trails, to Chalfont kayak launch and back. Meet at the West Boat Launch at 10 a.m.

Vosburg Neck State Park, Tunkhannock

Join other hikers on New Year’s Day on either excursion planned at Vosburg Neck State Park. Both hikes will begin by meeting at the parking area by Riverside Barn. The morning hike begins at 9:30 a.m. and travels 2.5 miles along Vista Trail. The afternoon hike begins at 1 p.m. and travels 1.5 miles along Canal and River Trails.

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, Nazareth

Join the Jacobsburg Environmental Center for a 3-mile interpretive hike exploring the fields of the Homestead Trail and enjoying views of Blue Mountain and the village of Belfast. Registration is required.

Want a self-guided hike?

Forbidden Drive at Wissahickon Valley State Park, Philadelphia

That’s right, this trail is located inside the city limits of Philadelphia. This approximately 5-mile, multi-use gravel trail follows Wissahickon Creek and offers picturesque views of the park as well as history lessons. For instance, Forbidden Drive used to be the Wissahickon Turnpike, a road that was dotted with mills and taverns during the nineteenth century. Now, the trail is dotted with the footprints of the thousands of hikers that visit it each year.

NORTHERN REGION

Lyman Run State Park, Galeton

Lyman Run State Park is hosting a 3-mile hike over occasionally hilly terrain from 1 to 3 p.m. led by park staff. Registration is not required. Meet at the top of the dam parking lot.  

Kinzua Bridge State Park, Kane

Starting at 10 a.m., join fellow hikers at Kinzua Bridge State Park for an easy 1.5-mile hike on the General Kane Trail, which weaves through a forest of maple and cherry trees. Because parts of the trail are open to hunting, it is a good idea to wear blaze orange.

Want a self-guided hike? 

Pine Creek Rail Trail in the Pa. Grand Canyon

Hike a portion of the 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail, a trail built on an old railroad route that wanders through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon (also known as the Pine Creek Gorge). The Pa. Grand Canyon offers beautiful scenery—winter might be an opportunity to see the trail covered in snow as well as the stillness of the season. You could walk just over a mile from the Ansonia to Darling Run trail access areas. Or, for a longer day hike, you may choose to walk between the Blackwell and Tiadaghton areas, a journey of about 8 miles.

SOUTHERN REGION

Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Gardners

Join the park staff at Pine Grove Furnace State Park on a hike starting at 1 p.m. and meeting at the Fuller Lake Boathouse. The group will travel ADA accessible hiker/biker trails with guided options to extend the hike on more trails.

Gifford Pinchot State Park, Lewisberry

Led by the park naturalist, Gifford Pinchot State Park is hosting a family-friendly hike from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. that will cover approximately 1.5 miles through the park, which is made up of fields and wooded hills. Hikers should meet at the main building in the Conewago Day Use Area on the eastern side of Pinchot Lake.

Want a self-guided hike? 

Thousand Steps, Standing Stone Trail, Mapleton and Mount Union

If you’re looking for a more strenuous hike for your New Year’s trek, something called “Thousand Steps” sounds just perfect, right? The Thousand Steps are so named because there are many—more than a thousand—steps carved into the mountainside. (Note that if it’s wet, icy, or snowy, you may want to choose a different trail unless you are an expert winter hiker.)The steps are on just one 1.5 miles section of the Standing Stone Trail (which itself is 85 miles long). The parking area for the Thousand Steps’ trailhead is located on Route 22. Find exact coordinates on AllTrails.