Start the New Year with off Right: First Day Hikes at SC State Parks and Historic Sites
The Olde English District is proud to be home to nine beautiful South Carolina State Parks, each offering unique opportunities to explore history, nature, and adventure. This New Year’s Day, why not start 2026 on the right foot or hoof, by joining a First Day Hike or activity at one of these scenic places?
From ranger-led hikes through historic battlefields to kid-friendly trails, accessible walks, and even horseback rides, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to learn about the Revolutionary War, spot bald eagles, or simply enjoy the fresh winter air, the state parks in the Olde English District offer the perfect way to combine wellness, education, and outdoor fun as you welcome the new year. Park visitors will receive a commemorative sticker and a car decal while supplies last.
Insider tip: South Carolina State Parks is offering 26% off camping & cabin stays — statewide — from December 29, 2025 – January 8, 2026. Check out their website to book your overnight stay and make sure to use the discount code FIRSTDAY26 when you book.
Andrew Jackson State Park — Crawford Trail
📍196 Andrew Jackson Park Rd, Lancaster, SC 29720
🗓️ January 1, 2026 | 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
💲 Free with park admission*
Kick off your New Year’s resolution on the right foot with a ranger-led hike along the mile-long Crawford Trail. Explore how past human activity shaped the landscape and how it influences today’s plants and wildlife. This gentle hike is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
Cheraw State Park — Turkey Oak Trail
📍100 State Park Rd, Cheraw, SC 29520
🗓️ January 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
💲 Free with park admission*
Start 2026 with fresh air and gentle exercise on the 2-mile Turkey Oak Trail loop. A ranger will guide you through the trail, stopping to share insights on the park’s history and ecology. Perfect for all ages, this hike invigorates both body and mind.
Chester State Park — Caney Fork Nature Trail
📍788 State Park Rd, Chester, SC 29706
🗓️ January 1, 2026 | 12:00 PM–1:30 PM
💲 Free with park admission*
Join a ranger-led 1.3-mile round-trip hike along the Caney Fork Nature Trail. Explore the scenic trail, learn about local plants and wildlife, and enjoy a peaceful outdoor start to the new year.
Goodale State Park — Nature Trail
📍650 State Rd S-28-331, Camden, SC 29020
🗓️ January 1, 2026 | 2:00 PM–3:30 PM
💲 Free with park admission*
Take a ranger-guided walk along the 1.7-mile nature trail at Goodale State Park. Adults must accompany children 15 and under. Enjoy a relaxing outdoor experience while exploring the park’s natural beauty.
— First Day Horse Ride
📍1277 Park Rd, Blacksburg, SC 29702
🗓️ January 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
💲 Free with park admission*
Start 2026 on the right hoof with a New Year’s Day horseback ride hosted by the Friends of Kings Mountain State Park. Coffee and morning refreshments will be provided. Ride along scenic trails with fellow equestrians.
— Ridgeline Trail to Crowders Mountain
📍1277 Park Rd, Blacksburg, SC 29702
🗓️ January 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
💲 Free with park admission*
Join a moderate 5.6-mile ranger-led hike along the Ridgeline Trail, from Kings Mountain State Park to Crowders Mountain State Park. Shuttle service is provided. This hike is recommended for ages 10 and up.
Landsford Canal State Park — Landsford Canal Trail
📍2051 Park Dr, Catawba, SC 29704
🗓️ January 1, 2026 | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
💲 Free with park admission*
Join a ranger-led 1½-mile hike along the historic Landsford Canal Trail. Explore 200-year-old masonry, learn about the canal’s history, and look for wildlife, including bald eagles, great blue herons, otters, and ducks. Trails are moderate and fairly level.
Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
— Battlefield Trail
📍398 State Park Road Clinton, SC 29325
🗓️ January 1, 2026 | 9:00 AM–11:15 AM
✔️Registration Deadline: December 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM
💲 Free with park admission*
Take a ranger-guided 1.5-mile hike along the Battlefield Trail. Learn about the August 19, 1780 Battle of Musgrove Mill and the Revolutionary War in South Carolina’s backcountry. Approx. two-hour hike.
— British Camp Trail
📍398 State Park Road Clinton, SC 29325
🗓️ January 1, 2026 | 2:00 PM–3:30 PM
✔️Registration Deadline: December 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM
💲 Free with park admission*
A kid-focused ranger hike along the 1-mile British Encampment Trail. Learn about the Battle of Musgrove Mill, nature, and trail safety. After the hike, kids can cook doughboys over an open fire like Revolutionary War militiamen. Designed for ages 7+, but all ages welcome.
— Horseshoe Falls Accessible Trail
📍398 State Park Road Clinton, SC 29325
🗓️ January 1, 2026 | 12:00 PM–12:30 PM
✔️Registration Deadline: December 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM
💲 Free with park admission*
Enjoy a short, ¼-mile ADA-accessible hike along the paved Horseshoe Falls Trail. Wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers are welcome. Learn about the nature around Horseshoe Falls in this inclusive, half-hour program.
Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site — Resistance Run First Day Hike
📍2677 Sardis Rd, Union, SC 29379
🗓️ January 1, 2026 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
✔️Registration Deadline: December 31, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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To help you prepare for your hike, here’s a comprehensive list of what to bring to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing:
Things to Bring:
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, jackets, hats, gloves as needed)
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Water
- Snacks (especially for longer hikes)
- Running shoes (for the Resistance Run at Rose Hill)
- Binoculars or camera (for wildlife viewing and scenic trails)
- Insect repellent (especially for trails near water)
- Hiking poles (optional, helpful for moderate trails)
- Wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers (for the Horseshoe Falls Accessible Trail)
- Cash (for park admission or horseback ride fees where required)
Share your 2026 First Day Hike moments with us by using #SCStateParks, #FirstDayHikes, and #OEDtravel on social media!
*Park admission: Adults $3.00, Seniors/ADA $1.50, Children 6-15 $1, Kids 5 and under are free
No matter which First Day Hike or activity you choose in the Olde English District, these experiences are a perfect way to start 2026 with fresh air, movement, and connection to nature and history.
Happy New Year!
