Start Your Year with Adventure: First Day Hike at DeSoto State Park

Start Your Year with Adventure:
First Day Hike at DeSoto State Park

Written By Emma Goggans

The New Year is a time for fresh beginnings, setting goals, and creating positive habits. What better way to kick off 2025 than by embracing the great outdoors with a First Day Hike at DeSoto State Park? Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to start the year on the right foot (literally!), this event is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and prioritize health and wellness.

What is a First Day Hike?

First Day Hikes are a nationwide initiative aimed at encouraging people to explore the beauty of state parks, exercise, and enjoy nature’s tranquility. The program originally began in Massachusetts in 1992. Eventually, the idea gained nationwide traction, and in 2012 state parks in all 50 states began participating annually. These staff-led hikes are free, family-friendly, and designed to help you jumpstart your fitness goal while appreciating the unique landscapes and history each park offers.

Why Participate in a First Day Hike?
  • Health Benefits: After weeks of holiday indulgence, a brisk hike is a great way to reignite your health journey and refresh your mind and body.
  • Connection with Nature: Spending time outdoors has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance mental clarity.
  • Community Building: Join fellow outdoor enthusiasts, make new friends, and share the experience with like-minded adventurers.
  • Year-Round Exploration: First Day Hikes encourage visitors to explore state parks beyond the warmer months, highlighting their year-round beauty and activities.

First Day Hike at DeSoto State Park

DeSoto State Park, nestled atop Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County, Alabama, offers the perfect backdrop for your First Day Hike adventure. On January 1, 2025, join park staff and JSU Field Schools for a hike along the Neverland Trail, which winds through DeSoto’s scenic hardwood forests, sandstone outcroppings, wetlands, and streams. This year’s hike will feature stops at some of the park’s stunning waterfalls, including Lost Falls, Laurel Falls, and Indian Falls, as well as water features like Laurel Creek and the West Fork of Little River.

Event Details
  • Date: January 1, 2025
  • Location: DeSoto State Park, Fort Payne, Alabama
  • Trail: Neverland Trail and surrounding paths
  • Difficulty: Moderate, with some uneven and possibly wet terrain
  • Time: Contact DeSoto State Park for the start time (details below)
  • Cost: Free!
What to Bring
  • Plenty of water or a sports drink
  • Snacks or a light lunch
  • Sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes (trail conditions may be wet)
  • Hiking poles or staff (optional)
  • Clothing appropriate for seasonal weather

Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash at all times. There are no age restrictions, making this hike ideal for families and individuals alike.

Tips for a Great Experience
  1. Check the Weather: The hike is weather-dependent, so call the Lodge at 256.845.5380 beforehand to confirm the event’s status.
  2. Prepare Early: Arrive with plenty of time to park, gear up, and meet your guides.
  3. Stay Safe: Follow your guides’ instructions and stay on marked trails.
  4. Soak it In: Take your time to appreciate the beauty of the waterfalls, forests, and wildlife around you.
Contact Information

For questions or additional details, contact Brittney Hughes at Brittney.Hughes@dcnr.alabama.gov.

Start your New Year with purpose and adventure by joining the First Day Hike at DeSoto State Park. It’s an experience that combines fitness, nature, and community, setting the tone for a positive and adventurous 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to make memories while exploring one of Alabama’s most beautiful state parks. See you on the trails!