Texas State Parks achieved remarkable participation records for the fourth consecutive year during the First Day Hikes event on New Year’s Day. A total of 12,835 individuals hiked an impressive 28,154 miles across the state, marking a significant increase in attendance.
On January 1, 2026, 86 Texas State Parks hosted 181 guided hikes, attracting more than 3,000 additional participants compared to the previous year. This surge in interest coincided with a rise in the total miles hiked, which increased by nearly 10,000 miles from 2025. Texas led the nation in both the number of events and overall participation for the First Day Hike initiative.
Dinosaur Valley State Park, located southwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, topped the attendance charts with 931 participants. Following closely was Palo Duro Canyon State Park, just south of Amarillo, with 861 hikers. Other parks that saw high turnout included Brazos Bend State Park with 830 participants, Cedar Hill State Park with 624, and Palo Pinto Mountains State Park with 559 hikers.
Rodney Franklin, the director of Texas State Parks, commented on the outstanding turnout, attributing the success to favorable weather and the establishment of strong family traditions around the event. “We had wonderful weather, and it was a great way to spend time with family in the outdoors at one of your Texas State Parks. So many Texans have made this event an annual tradition,” he stated.
The First Day Hikes initiative is part of a broader nationwide effort encouraging individuals to start the new year by engaging with nature. Texas State Parks offer a variety of trails, catering to all levels of hikers, from easy walks to more challenging routes. Detailed trail maps are accessible through the department’s website and the Texas State Parks app.
