Get outdoors in 2025 with a First Day Hike at Louisiana State Parks

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Louisiana State Parks invites you to start 2025 on the right foot by getting out and exploring your local state park in conjunction with America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes project. This project offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year connecting with the outdoors by taking a hike for health.

“Let’s all make a resolution to get healthier in the new year, and start getting those steps in from day one with a First Day Hike through one of our Louisiana State Parks or Historic Sites,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “Whether you prefer to hit the trails at your own pace with friends and family or you enjoy a ranger-led hike, there are many options to connect with nature and get physically active at Louisiana State Parks.”

Folks looking for a challenge will love the ranger-guided hike at Poverty Point World Heritage Site where participants will hike to the top of Mound A, explore the earth works and nature found in the park. Enjoy one of two ranger-led hikes at Forts Randolph-Buhlow State Historic Site or explore the Bogue Chitto State Park Gorge Trail on a ranger-led hike on New Year’s Day.

For a full listing of events and to plan your journey, visit the Louisiana State Parks First Day Hikes webpage. Share your hiking story on social media with #FirstDayHikes and #LAStateParks.

These events are part of a wider initiative of “First Day Hikes” held by state parks around the country. First Day Hikes began more than three decades ago, at the Blue Hills Reservation state park in Massachusetts in 1992. Since 2012, all 50 states have participated.

About America’s State Parks
America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 9 million people annually, state parks are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more at stateparks.org.