Get ready for the New Year with a First Day hike.
Those looking to venture out and about will have two options in Wythe County and two in Smyth.
From 1 to 2:30 p.m., you can celebrate the New Year by going back in time to the historic village of Foster Falls.
A park interpreter will share stories of local mining history and the remains of the once booming iron industry of the late 19th century.
Meet at the caboose in the Foster Falls parking lot at 116 Orphanage Drive in Max Meadows.
From 2 to 3:30 p.m., explore more history in the town of Fries. A park interpreter will share stories of local history and the remains of the once thriving textile industry of the late 19th century.
Meet at the Fries Access parking lot. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hungry Mother State Park will offer a hike off the boat ramp off of Mitchell Valley Road.
Along the way, discover the park’s history and explore the natural landscape we call home. Make sure to dress warmly and wear shoes suitable for hiking. The walk will begin at the boat ramp off Mitchell Valley Road and travel up our CCC Trail that provides beautiful views of mountain ridges throughout the park.
Also at Hungry Mother, from 3 to 5 p.m., meet at the spillway for a nature therapy session.
Explore helpful ways to relax and de-stress yourself in nature while learning about the history and culture of using nature as a means of therapy. Join certified Forest Therapy volunteer, Tina Hayes, on a relaxing hike made to calm the mind. Enjoy the calming effect of nature, and let yourself be soothed by the various sounds of nature and therapy techniques.
This is a free parking day for all Virginia State Parks.
