First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. On New Year’s Day, hundreds of guided hikes will be organized in all 50 states. Kids and adults all across America will be participating in First Day Hikes, getting their hearts pumping and enjoying the beauty of a state park.
Camp Helen State Park – 10 am
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 10:00 am – 11:00 am CST
Join a Park Ranger on a guided nature hike through Camp Helen State Park. The hike at Camp Helen will meander through several distinct natural communities, and Rangers will share information about the flora and fauna found throughout the park. You are invited to savor the beauty of Camp Helen’s natural resources with the comfort of an experienced guide so you may be inspired to take advantage of these and other local treasures throughout the year.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear closed toe shoes. Gather at the Visitor Center/Park Office
23937 Panama City Beach Parkway
Panama City Beach FL 32413 The park entry/admission fee is $4.00 per vehicle, $2.00 per bicyclist or pedestrian. Camp Helen is an Honor park, place your entry fee into the iron honor box at the park entrance. To pay with a credit card, use the QR code on the fee sign.
Camp Helen is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL, just west of the Phillips Inlet bridge on the Bay County and Walton county line. The entrance is south of U.S. Hwy 98. ::MAP::
Grayton Beach State Park 10 am
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 10:00 am – 12:00 pm CST
Enjoy a 2 mile first day hike to celebrate the new year along the flatwoods trail. The hike will be guided by a park ranger who will provide information about the environment and park ecosystems. Meet at the Flatwoods trail entrance north of the main park entrance a few minutes before 10 a.m. Wear appropriate walking shoes, water bottle. Fees $5.00 per vehicle.
Grayton Beach State Park is located in Walton County, South of U.S. 98 off of Scenic Road 30A. Take county road 283 south from U.S. 98, turn left at the stop sign on 30A (approximately 1/4 mile east of the intersection of C.R. 30A and C.R. 283 the main entrance is on the right). ::MAP::
St. Andrews State Park
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 10:00 am – 11:00 am CST
Join in to celebrate the new year with a nature hike around Heron Pond Trail. Learn about some of the different natural plant communities in the park and spot wildlife on this one mile hike.
Address: 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, Florida 32408 ::MAP::
Admission Fee:
$8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Contact john.larson@FloridaDEP.gov
Henderson Beach State Park
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 10:00 am – 12:00 pm CST
Come enjoy a first day hike and scavenger hunt on a nature trail. The park will hold a scavenger hunt on our nature trail. Participants will track down and record a series of hidden letters throughout the trail and decipher the hidden message these letters present. Nature trail is open for recreational wandering.
Contact michael.schuchhardt@FloridaDEP.gov
Admission Fee:
$6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
17000 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, Florida 32541
(850) 837-7550
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 10:00 am – 12:00 pm CST
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park staff will host a first day hike to celebrate the new year. The hike will be guided by park rangers who will provide information about the environment and park ecosystems. Red Cedar Pavilion Day use area
Contact evan.r.hill@FloridaDEP.gov
4281 East Highway 20
Niceville FL 32578
Fees $5.00 per vehicle