Why not start the year off on the right foot (or left, if that's your preferred hiking style) by breaking a sweat, breathing in some fresh air, and questioning your life choices as you climb up that steep hill on Jan. 1?
Put down that leftover holiday ham sandwich, lace up, and bundle up because it's time to discover muscles you didn't even know you had as part of First Day Hike, a nationwide program led by America's State Parks.
Hiking is proven to have many health benefits, ranging from physical exercise you get when out on the trail, to emotional or mental relief that comes from being in nature, according to the National Park Service.
Whether it's a short, leisurely nature walk, a stroll through wetlands, or something more challenging, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offers a variety of guided and self-guided hikes to pick from throughout the Brazos River Basin. Reservations are required for many of the walks due to their popularity.
Don't forget to pack water and if you've got binoculars, bring them as you're bound to see wildlife. Wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes, sunscreen, and dress for the weather. Several of the parks allow dogs, so check before heading out.
There are several Texas Parks and Wildlife Department opportunities in the Upper Basin.
Can't wait to hit the trails? Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway is hosting a midnight hike.
Explore the creature sounds of the night and the Texas winter night sky at 11:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at 100 Park Road 71 in Mineral Wells.
Beginner and advanced hikers are welcome to attend the 9 a.m. First Day Hike at Cleburne State Park, 5800 Park Road 21 in Cleburne. Hike the either 1.4 mile or 3-mile trek and don't forget to bring a trail snack and water.
If you plan on sleeping in Jan. 1, the Abilene State Park has you covered. Join "Late Risers First Day Hike" at 1 p.m. Jan. 1 at 150 Park Road 32 in Tuscola. Take an afternoon stroll along the Elm Creek Nature Trail.
If you're looking for something more in the Central Basin, there are several hikes.
Dinosaur Valley State Park is also hosting a midnight countdown hike. Celebrate with sparkling cider and a warm fire from 11 p.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan. 1 at 1629 Park Rd 59 in Glen Rose.
Lake Whitney State Park is hosting a "Wild Things Scavenger Hunt" on the first day of the new year.
Enjoy an easy one-mile walk with clues to help you figure out what wild thing you are searching for at noon, Jan. 1 at 433 FM 1244 in Whitney.
The lower portion of the Brazos River Basin also has several First Day Hikes to join.
Play nature bingo at Fort Boggy State Park as part of your First Day Hike for your chance to win a prize. If you're walking anyway, why not make it a game? Join anytime from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 1 at 4994 Highway 75 South in Centerville.
Combine the power of resolutions with the serenity of nature with Lake Somerville State Park – Birch Creek Unit's First Day Hike. From 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Jan. 1 at 14222 Park Road 57 in Somerville.
You could also start 2024 on a guided hike at Stephen F. Austin State Park. From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Jane. 1 at Park Road 38 in San Felipe, hike the roughly one mile through the bottomland forest.
For a full list and details of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department First Day Hikes, go here.
Start the year off with a laugh, a breath of fresh air, and the opportunity to improve your mind, spirit, and body in welcoming the new year.