Ready to kick off the New Year with fresh air, family, friends, and a bit of adventure? Prince William, Virginia's First Day Hike is just the way to do it. Found at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park in Bristow, this free guided hike on January 1st helps you step into 2026 outdoors!
Walk Into the New Year Together
This year’s First Day Hike is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park (10501 Tenth Alabama Way, Bristow, VA). The 90-minute, approximately 3-mile hike is led by park staff and designed to help everyone start the year with movement, meaningful conversation, and a chance to explore local history and nature.
The trail is family-friendly and jogging stroller accessible. Bring the kids, bring the pets (on leash), bundle up in layers suited to these January temperatures, and let’s get walking! There’s no cost to participate, and no tickets required—just show up ready to enjoy the first day of the year outside with neighbors and fellow hikers.
What's A First Hike Anyways?
Prince William’s First Day Hike is part of a larger tradition across the country (America’s State Parks First Day Hikes) encouraging people to make healthy choices, spend time in nature, and explore the beauty of parks during a quiet time of year. In Virginia, trails throughout state parks are buzzing with planned hikes and opportunities for self-guided adventures, and many parks offer free parking on New Year’s Day as part of the initiative! Prince William, Virginia, is simply doing our part!
More Great Trails to Explore in Prince William
Even if you're not participating in our First Hike and you want to keep the adventure going throughout the winter (or plan a nature outing another day) Prince William has trails for every interest and ability:
Prince William Forest Park
Explore miles of scenic, wooded trails that wind through one of the largest protected natural areas in Northern Virginia. From peaceful forest loops to creekside paths, it’s a great spot for winter walking, birding, or a longer nature hike.
Neabsco Creek Boardwalk (Woodbridge)
This elevated, accessible boardwalk trail winds through scenic wetlands and offers excellent wildlife viewing (including ducks and herons) on a short, easy stroll over marshland.
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Bring binoculars for this trail through protected wetlands and forests, where migratory birds and local wildlife thrive year-round. It’s a peaceful place for a serene walk and nature observation.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Perfect for history lovers and hikers alike, this vast park combines rolling fields, historic trails, and interpretive signs along paths that highlight the landscape where pivotal Civil War battles unfolded.
Whether you’re joining the official First Day Hike at Bristoe Station Battlefield or exploring one of Prince William’s many scenic trails post-holiday, ringing in the New Year outside is a refreshing and memorable way to start 2026. Lace up your boots, take a deep breath of fresh winter air, and make your first footsteps of the year count!