First Day Hikes - 2026

First Day Hikes is a nationwide program from America’s State Parks to encourage hiking (and other outdoor activities) on New Year's Day. In 2026, it also happens to be the first day of the U.S.’s semiquincentennial, or 250th birthday!

Join a Park Ranger for a guided hike, take the trails on your own with a scavenger hunt and guided prompts, or blaze your own path and report your mileage at park headquarters. Did we mention you get a sticker for participation??

Guided Hikes:
8:30am - Woodland Bird Walk
10:00am - Guided Hike of Turks Cap Trail. Meet at the Youth Group Area
2:00pm - Guided Hike of the Bayfront. Meet at the Day Use Picnic Area.

Self-Guided Activities - All Day
Trail Recommendations
Scavenger Hunts
Nature Journaling
and more!

Join us at park headquarters all day for information, trail/activity suggestions, or just chat with a ranger or volunteer. Self-guided activity available all day.

You may also like the following events from Goose Island State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife:

• This Friday, 28th November, 10:00 am, America's Forgotten Tea in Rockport
• This Friday, 28th November, 02:30 pm, Youth Hunting Series: The Art of a Quiet Hunt in Rockport
• This Saturday, 29th November, 09:00 am, Birding with a Ranger (at Big Tree) in Rockport

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Rockport.