Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation is inviting you to take a hike on New Year’s Day as part of the nationwide First Day Hike initiative!

Admission is free for most of the trails.

ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY, Va. – The soggy start to 2021 didn’t prevent some Virginians from keeping a favorite tradition. National forests and state parks across the country offer First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day. Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County typically hosts guided tours; however, because of the pandemic, they had self-guided ones and a scavenger hunt. Workers said although the crowd was smaller this year, it’s a symbolic way to start the year off on the right foot. Jackson said many people took advantage of the outdoors in 2020 and he hopes it continues this year.