Every year, many North Carolina State Parks host First Day Hikes led by park staff. Here are a couple First Day Hikes relatively close to Charlotte.
First Day Hike at Lake Norman State Park
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Lake Norman State Park Swim Beach
1412 State Park Road, Troutman, NC
Free
What a better way to ring in the New Year than by taking a hike with a Ranger? Meet at the swim beach parking lot for a 1 to 1.5-mile hike. Participants will get a First Day Hike sticker following the hike! No registration needed. Bring water and dress for the weather. Closed-toed shoes are recommended.
First Day Hike at Morrow Mountain State Park
Wednesday, January 1st, 2025
10 to 12 p.m.
Morrow Mountain State Park
49104 Morrow Mountain Road, Albemarle, NC
Free
Come out to Morrow Mountain State Park on New Year’s Day to get your wellness goals started off on the right foot.
Join a park ranger for a guided hike on the 3.3-mile moderate to strenuous Sugarloaf Mountain trail. Sugarloaf’s 850-foot summit is a fitting destination with expansive views stretching across the Uwharrie Mountains, Lake Tillery, and beyond.
Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather including sturdy hiking shoes and bring water to drink. The trailhead is located at the Bridle trail parking area, which is the second driveway on the right after entering the state park gate.
Check out this list of things to do New Year’s Day in Charlotte!
Two Parks, Two States, One Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
CCC Bathhouse Trailhead
Kings Mountain State Park
1277 Park Road, Blacksburg, SC
Admission to Kings Mountain State Park is $3 for adults, $1.50 for SC seniors, $1 for kids ages 6-15, and free for ages 5 and under
This hike begins in South Carolina at 10 a.m. at the CCC Bathhouse Trailhead at Kings Mountain State Park (please note: Kings Mountain State Park charges an entrance fee). We will hike the Ridgeline Trail to Crowders Mountain State Park, expecting to arrive at the Boulders access around 1 p.m. This is a moderate 5.6-mile hike along the beautiful Ridgeline Trail.
Bring water, snacks, binoculars, insect repellent, and a camera, if you would like. Wear proper hiking shoes and dress for the weather.
A shuttle will be provided to take hikers back to their vehicles parked at Kings Mountain.
First Day Hike: Boulders Overlook Hike
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
1:30 to 3 p.m.
Crowders Mountain State Park Boulders Access
108 Vandyke Road, Kings Mountain, NC
Free
This hike begins at the Boulders Access at 1:30 p.m. This moderate hike is approximately 2 miles, offering majestic views and an opportunity to explore unique rock outcroppings.
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Upcoming Events in the Charlotte area
Check out our full events calendar, where you can enter any date, or look at the events for the next few days here:Boulders Access Area at Crowder’s Mountain State Park
108-2C Van Dyke Road
Kings Mountain, NC
Morrow Mountain State Park
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