First Day Hike at Goose Creek State Park | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:

    The 2016 centennial of North Carolina's state parks system will launch at Goose Creek State Park with a First Day Hike on Jan. 1, an opportunity to begin the New Year with exercise, family adventure and a reconnection with nature, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

    Now in its fifth year, this tradition has prompted North Carolinians to walk more than 17,000 miles on state park trails during past New Year's Day events. Each state park and state recreation area puts its own stamp on its First Day Hike.
The rugged shoreline of Goose Creek State Park: Above.     photo by Stan Deatherage     Click image to expand.
    This year we will celebrate with a hike on three of Goose Creek's trails through the pine forest along the Pamlico River. Hike the shorter Live Oak and Huckleberry trails for 1/2 mile or hike all three for a total of 1 1/2 miles. Everyone please meet in the last parking lot at 2:00 pm.

    "The year 2016 will be a special one for state parks in North Carolina as we celebrate our 100th anniversary with events throughout the state. Spending some quality time with friends and family in these stunning landscapes is a perfect way to begin that celebration," said Mike Murphy, state parks director.

    There are 46 guided hikes scheduled for New Year's Day in the state, ranging from short "leg-stretchers" to six-mile treks, and many of them include interpretive programs by rangers along the way. All seasonal state park facilities will remain open on the holiday.

    Nationally, First Day Hikes are promoted by America's State Parks and the National Association of State Park Directors with more than 400 hikes scheduled in state parks across the country. Last year, nearly 28,000 people rang in the New Year by collectively hiking over 66,000 miles.

    A complete list of First Day Hikes in North Carolina can be found at www.ncparks.gov/first-day-hikes.


    Contact:

     Vanessa Fischer

       Goose Greek State Park

       2190 Camp Leach Road
       Washington, NC 27889

       Phone: (252) 923-2191  •  vanessa.fischer@ncparks.gov