South Carolina’s state parks are gearing up for the New Year with a series of outdoor activities designed to kick off 2024 on an active and scenic note. From nature walks and historical hikes to polar plunges, the state’s parks are offering a wide variety of ways to start the year off right on January 1st.
Exploring South Carolina’s Natural Beauty on First Day Hikes
For those looking to make the most of their New Year’s resolutions by embracing the outdoors, South Carolina’s state parks have something special in store. On January 1st, 2024, 39 of the state’s parks and historic sites will host First Day Hikes, welcoming locals and visitors to experience South Carolina’s diverse landscapes.
The hikes, which will span 41 different trails, offer something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in a gentle nature walk or a more rigorous historical tour, rangers will be leading groups through some of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in the state. Duane Parrish, director of South Carolina Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, highlighted the opportunity to immerse oneself in the state’s natural beauty: “Fresh air, exercise, and the calming beauty of nature set the tone for a positive year ahead.” Participants will also receive a commemorative sticker and car decal, available while supplies last, as a token of appreciation for starting the year with a hike.
For those who prefer a more independent approach, any of South Carolina’s trails are open to visitors on New Year’s Day for a self-guided First Day Hike. The state’s parks department encourages people to take in the serene coastal views and lush mountain forests that make the state’s natural beauty stand out.
Fitness and Fun: Races and Polar Plunges to Start the Year
If running or swimming is more your style, South Carolina has you covered. Two races will take place on New Year’s Day, providing a fun and challenging way to jump into the new year. The annual Devils Fork 5K, held at Devils Fork State Park, costs $35 to participate, while the Rose Hill Plantation Historic Site will host a 1.6-mile race for just $10. The latter event offers more than just a physical challenge; it also includes a history lesson on the endurance of enslaved people who once worked on the Union property.
For those seeking something a little more daring, the parks will also feature two polar plunges. The Paris Mountain Polar Plunge invites participants to brave the cold waters of Lake Placid for a refreshing start to the year. Priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children, the plunge will help raise funds to repair damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene. At Hunting Island, the Pelican Plunge will take participants into the Atlantic Ocean for a chilly dip, complete with a costume parade and prizes. The cost for this plunge is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
A Tradition of Outdoor New Year’s Celebrations
The First Day Hike tradition started back in 1992 in Massachusetts but quickly grew in popularity. By 2012, South Carolina began hosting its own hikes as part of the national effort to encourage people to embrace the outdoors at the start of the year. Since then, the event has expanded, and now every state offers some form of First Day Hikes.
Following the success of these annual hikes, many state parks have broadened the program to offer hikes on the first day of each month, giving visitors even more chances to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature throughout the year.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a runner, or simply someone looking to enjoy a unique New Year’s experience, South Carolina’s state parks are offering plenty of opportunities to get outside and start 2024 with a fresh perspective.
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