Start the new year off strong with a First Day Hike!  South Carolina State Parks across the state will be joining state park systems from across the country and getting outside on January 1, 2020. From short walks through the woods to challenging hikes through the mountains, visitors of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join.
Additionally, a few parks will offer 5K runs (Charles Towne Landing and Devils Fork state parks); while others will offer “plunges” or quick, exhilarating dips into water. Plunges are scheduled at Devils Fork (Loon Lunge,) Hunting Island (Pelican Plunge) and Paris Mountain (Paris Plunge).

View Complete First-Day Hike & Event Information
Looking for more running races? Check out our Upstate Running Calendar with races for every level.

Park: Paris Mountain State Park
Trail: Lake Placid
Time: 2:00 –3:30 pm and 4:00 –5:30 pm
Meeting location: Park Center
Degree of difficulty: easy to moderate
Minimum age: all ages
Length of trail: 1 mile
Things to bring: wear appropriate walking shoes and dress for weather
Contact information: ctaylor@scprt.com, 864-244-5565
Additional information: We will leave the busy holiday season behind, getting in tune with nature in the winter.This program is free after park admission. No registration required

Park: Devils Fork State Park
Trail: Oconee Bell Trail
Time: 1:00 PM
Meeting location: Day Use Picnic Area
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Minimum age: All ages
Length of trail: 1.5 Miles
Things to bring: Binoculars, hiking shoes, warm clothes
Contact information: Devils Fork (864) 944-2639

Park: Devils Fork State Park
Trail: Family Fun Run
Time: 12:30 PM
Meeting location:Day Use Picnic Area
Degree of difficulty: Moderate
Minimum age: All Ages
Length of trail: 1 mile
Things to bring: Running/Walking Shoes
Contact information: Devils Fork (864) 944-2639

Park: Devils Fork State Park
Trail: Loon Lunge
Time: After completion of 5K
Meeting location: Day Use Picnic Area
Minimum age: All ages
Things to bring: Towel, Dry Clothes
Contact information: Devils Fork (864) 944-2639

Park: Devils Fork State Park
Trail: Ranger 5KTime: 1:00 PM
Meeting location: Day Use Picnic Area
Degree of difficulty: Minimum age: All ages
Length of trail: 5K
Things to bring: Running/Walking Shoes
Contact information: Devils Fork (864) 944-2639