Mild, dry weather made the hikes more attractive than those in 2018, which were marred by rain and snow. Hundreds of dogs, two llamas and a goat joined their human companions — who ranged in age from newborn to 95 — on various hikes. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park set a record by drawing 300 participants. 

“I was thrilled to see so many North Carolinians in our parks, particularly the record number at Cliffs of the Neuse,” said state parks Director Dwayne Patterson, who grew up near Cliffs of Neuse. “These hikes were a great start to the year for people of all ages, and I look forward to millions more people enjoying healthy outdoor recreation activities at our beautiful state parks throughout the year.” 

First Day Hikes is part of a nationwide program from America’s State Parks and the National Association of State Park Directors, with more than 400 hikes scheduled in state parks around the country. In North Carolina, Eno River State Park began the tradition more than 40 years ago and all N.C. state parks have participated since 2012.