First Day hikers Connor Hubbard and Christian Falcon of Lorton, celebrate the day, taking new puppy Uno, 4 months, on his first walk, opting for a self guided hike at Laurel Hill Park2
Many Virginians, like others across the nation, take on the tradition of participating in a first day hike. State parks offer free admission for the first day, and often guided hikes. In Fairfax County, Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck, chair of the Board of Supervisors Environmental Committee, started his own First Day Hike tradition on New Year’s Day several years ago. Inviting all to join in, this year about 70 human hikers, and two canines took on the challenge.
Morning hikers met at Pohick Bay Regional Park, part of the NOVA Parks system. Participants had the option of either a 2.5 mile or 4 mile loop trail experience. Those accepting the longer challenge had, as their reward, a brief rest stop at a Pohick Bay overlook to take in the beauty of the sky reflected on the water.
For those who could not join in to walk on the first day of 2024, the trails of our many area parks await to assist all to take a first step toward healthy outdoor exercise and an opportunity to commune with nature.
NOVA Parks Michael Nardolilli (left) and Matt Felperin (right) join Supervisor Dan Storck in talking about NOVA Parks system and history