Georgia State Parks is offering a wide range of free and cheap hikes Friday designed to help people start the new year on the right foot.
The Jan. 1 hikes, called "First Day Hikes," are part of a nationwide initiative aimed at encouraging people to get outdoors. Led by state park staff and volunteers, the special hikes include:
- A morning walk at Cloudland Canyon State Park with a naturalist exploring a new and lesser-known section of trail featuring oak, hickory and hemlock woodlands.
- A 3.5-mile-long scenic walk at Red Top Mountain in Acworth, where hikers will learn how to use elements in nature like a fitness gym (for example, put your hands up against a tree to do a standing pushups; boulder crunches to boost the cardio workout).
- A brisk hike at Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge that begins with a writing — and burning — of last year's troubles.
The ultimate goal is to inspire residents to kick off the new year with a hike, and then continue to return throughout the year.
Last year, nearly 28,000 people rang in the new year this way, collectively hiking over 66,000 miles throughout the country, according to the American Hiking Society, a national, nonprofit organization that promotes and protects foot trails.
Here’s a look at some hikes close to metro Atlanta. It is recommended that hikers arrive at least 15 minutes before the hike begins. In some cases, registering in advance is recommended (and noted). People can show up without reservations, but you are taking a chance because if the hike is full, you will be turned away.
Important note: Some parks are concerned about possible flooding with all of the rains, and they urge hikers to call in advance on Friday to make sure hikes are still on.
Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs
Three hikes at Sweetwater include a 9 a.m. hike for you and your dog. The guided hike with a park ranger along Sweetwater Creek will let you see the exterior of the New Manchester Mill, which was in the "Hunger Games" movie "Mockingjay — Part I." Hikers are encouraged to bring water for them (and their dogs). Open to all ages. Meet at the Visitor's Center by 8:45 a.m. $5 per hiker and $5 for parking (per vehicle).
Other hikes include a strenuous 1.5-mile hike at 10:30 a.m., which includes visiting the “Indian Cave” and learning about the Native American history of the area. Hikers are encouraged to bring water and snacks. All ages. No pets. Meet at the Visitor’s Center by 10:15 a.m. $5 per hiker and $5 for parking (per vehicle).
At 3 p.m., another hike along Sweetwater Creek to see the exterior of the New Manchester Mill will get underway. Bringing water is encouraged. All ages. No pets. Meet at the Visitor's Center by 2:45 p.m. $5 per hiker and $5 parking (per vehicle).
Reservations are encouraged and can be made up until 30 minutes before the hike by calling 770-732-5871. Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs. http://gastateparks.org/SweetwaterCreek.
Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge
This brisk hike begins by writing — then burning — last year's burdens. Climb to the top of the mountain to symbolize all the great things you will accomplish in 2016. Finish with s'mores and hot chocolate around a campfire. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $5 per hiker plus $5 parking (per vehicle). Please register in advance until 30 minutes before the hike by calling 770-389-7801. Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Ga. 155 S.W., Stockbridge. http://gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain.
Cloudland Canyon State Park, near Chattanooga, Tenn.
Join Cloudland Canyon State Park's naturalist for a morning hike along the park's newest section of trail. This is a moderate, 4-mile hike. Learn about the park's plants, animals and new trail system along the way. No minimum age. Strollers are possible but a couple of obstacles may exist. Meet at the Cloudland Connector Trailhead, near the Backcountry Trailhead. 9 a.m.-noon. Free hike; $5 parking. Cloudland Canyon State Park, 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn. 706-657-4050, http://gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon.
Fort Mountain State Park, Chatsworth
A moderate, rocky, 1-mile hike to the Stone Wall, Historic CCC Fire Tower and West Overlook offers plenty of nature, history, sightseeing and breathtaking views. A good one for families. Noon-2 p.m. $5 per hiker plus $5 for parking (per vehicle). Register in advance (by Friday morning) by calling 706-422-1932. Fort Mountain State Park, 181 Fort Mountain Park Road, Chatsworth. http://gastateparks.org/FortMountain.
Red Top Mountain State Park, Acworth
Join a ranger at Red Top Mountain for a different type of hike. Meet at the park office and take the Sweet Gum Trail for a moderate 3.5-mile scenic hike, exploring the many ways to use nature as a fitness gym (log squats, anyone?). Bring water, and dress comfortably. Free hike; $5 parking. Red Top Mountain State Park, 50 Lodge Road S.E., Acworth. 770-975-0055, http://gastateparks.org/RedTopMountain.
