POLK COUNTY, N.C. — Hiking traditions returned for New Year's Day across the nation. America's State Parks "First Day Hikes" encouraged people to enjoy the outdoors.

What You Need To Know

  • Last year, according to the American Hiking Society, nearly 55,000 hikers rang in the new year in state parks across the country, collectively hiking more than 133,000 miles

  • Carolina Mountain Club hiked the Green River Game Lands on the first day of 2024

  • It has become a nationwide tradition for people to hike on New Year's Day with hikes offered in all states

According to the American Hiking Society, nearly 55,000 hikers rang in the new year in state parks across the country in 2023, collectively hiking more than 133,000 miles.

The Carolina Mountain Club was no exception. The members took their first steps into 2024 in the Green River Game Lands. Breakfast and a hike on the morning of New Year's Day has been a club tradition for decades.

This hike is a blank canvas for CMC member Beverly MacDowell.

“It’s emptying!” MacDowell said. “And that's what I love, about it being physical, and not ruminating like I do at home sometimes.”

It’s a physically and mentally exhilarating experience for her, especially after the excitement of Christmas. 

“Christmas afternoon is kind of sad,” MacDowell said. “It's kind of a letdown after all the build up. This is a wonderful way to get rid of that, to share that, to start new. So, we had breakfast together, and then we're out in nature together … and I packed a good lunch!”

Even though the holiday season has come to a close, being on the trails is a gift to her.

“The gift that keeps giving,” MacDowell said. “After the hike is over with, I still think about it. I wake up in the middle of the night and think about aspects of the hike. It's very satisfying. Satisfying while I'm doing it and satisfying after.” 

MacDowell said hiking makes her troubles fall away. As every turn is an adventure in the Appalachian Mountains, that’s what makes it such a fitting place for the club to begin their year.

“I love tradition,” MacDowell said. “You can know that this hike is going to happen every January 1. I don't know that it's ever been called off. Maybe there was a snow once upon a time. But this hike is always here.”

While this was Carolina Mountain Club’s first hike of the year, it certainly wasn't its last. It leads about four to five hikes every week of the year.