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While it’s typically our style to share gift options, this year we’re switching it up for our holiday recommendations!
You can always still see the whole collection of gift posts from yester-holidays here.
This year, we’re sharing the impressive list of fun First Day Hikes in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Ohio!
What better way to walk off those holiday cookies and indulgent meals than meeting with fellow outdoors-lovers for a chilly hike?
And your furry friends could probably use a romp outdoors, too!
Pennsylvania State Parks will host over 60 First Day Hikes on January 1, 2026!
You can find the full list here.
Of course, we love the pet-friendly options, which include some of our favorite PA parks:
- Kinzua Bridge State Park
10am-12pm, at the General Kane Hiking Trail for 1.5 miles - Cook Forest State Park
1-3pm, starting at the Log Cabin Inn for 2 miles - Cowans Gap State Park
1pm and 2pm, from Pavilion 2 for 1.5 or 2.5 miles
West Virginia State Parks will host hikes in 21 different state parks to kick off the new year!
Get the entire rundown here.
In the past, well-behaved leashed pets have been welcome, but please contact the park to verify.
You know from our WV Trip Reports (click Parks above to browse by state) that we love:
- Cacapon Resort State Park
10am at the Nature Center, 1 to 2.5 mile options - Canaan Valley Resort State Park
9am at the Golf Course Clubhouse, 1 mile - Coopers Rock State Forest
1pm at the Trading Post parking lot, 1 mile - Tygart Lake State Park
10am at the Campground, 2 miles
Maryland State Parks are hosting First Day hikes on December 31 and January 1, 2026.
They’ll have ranger-led hikes, self-guided hikes, and AllTrails-guided hikes.
You can also add to your sticker collection with an “I HIKED! 2026” sticker!
Some pet-friendly options at Maryland parks we recommend include:
- Rocky Gap State Park
11am at the Nature Center, 1 mile - Deep Creek Lake State Park
9am and 12pm at the Discovery Center, 1 and 3 mile options - Herrington Manor State Park
1pm at the Lake House, 2 miles
Ohio State Parks will host 15 hikes, including one at the Irwin Prarie Preserve.
You can see the full listing here. You’ll need to adjust the search dates to see the First Day Hikes.
The hikes are not specifically designated pet-friendly, so please contact the state park directly to inquire.
You won’t want to miss some fun add-ons at Salt Fork State Park! Their hike begins at 1pm at the Kennedy Stonehouse Nature Trail Parking Lot for 1 mile…
AND it ends with hot chocolate and snacks afterwards!
Are there other First Day Hikes that caught your eye? Share them below!
Happy Holiday Season Hiking from all of us at Road Trip Tails!
