A group called America’s State Parks announced recently that all 50 state park systems will sponsor free, guided “First Day Hike” Programs on New Year’s Day 2012. As their press release said: “America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2012 at a state park. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.”

Here in Central Virginia we’re lucky enough to have Virginia’s largest state park. Pocahontas SP  in Chesterfield County is nearly 8,000 acres of woods, trails, ponds, lakes and campsites. Click here to learn more about the guided hike at Pocahontas on New Years Day. Click here to see what all of Virginia’s state parks are offering that day.