New year, fresh air

Gear up for a 'first day hike' at a Texas park on New Year’s Day 2026

This beats the gym any day.

Photo courtesy of San Marcos CVB

Here's a way to start your health-focused new year's resolutions that won't make you want to hit the snooze button on January 1: Plan a "first day hike."

According to Texas Parks & Wildlife, First Day Hikes is a nationwide program to encourage hiking on New Year's Day. State parks near Houston and throughout Texas are offering the chance for people of all ages and fitness levels to stretch their legs and explore the great outdoors on the first day of 2026.

"First day hikes vary from short, leisurely nature walks on forested trails; boardwalk strolls through wetlands or to the beach; or climbs into the mountains of the Chihuahuan Desert," the agency says on its website. "Some first day hikes aren't hikes at all: We also lead bike rides, paddling tours, and maybe even horseback rides. Choose the event that's right for you."

State parks offer both guided and self-guided hikes on January 1. If you choose a self-guided hike, look for tables or stop at headquarters for hike information and maps, they advise. "After your hike, stop back by to report on your hike and collect a memento of your visit," they say.

Note that most state parks charge an entry fee or day use fee. For those who plan to visit several times throughout the year, a Texas State Parks Pass could help save money.

Here are all the Texas state parks offering first-day hikes on January 1, 2026, clustered by region. All are self-guided walking hikes that do not require registration, unless otherwise indicated. Find out more details about each one here.

Gulf Coast & Coastal Bend

Galveston Island State Park (Sunrise beach walk with a ranger.)
Mustang Island State Park (Ranger-guided walk at sunrise.)
Goose Island State Park (Bird hikes)
Sea Rim State Park (First Day Paddle)
Brazos Bend State Park (Guided hike)
Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center (Guided hike and dog walk)
Huntsville State Park (Chinquapin Challenge)
Lake Livingston State Park (Guided hike)
Stephen F. Austin State Park

East Texas & Piney Woods

Tyler State Park (Guided tour)
Daingerfield State Park
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Martin Creek Lake State Park (Birding hike)
Atlanta State Park (Guided hike)
Mission Tejas State Park
Caddo Lake State Park
Cooper State Park (South Sulphur & Doctors Creek. Hike or bike.)
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park (Guided and unguided hikes)
Village Creek State Park

Hill Country & Central Texas

Honey Creek State Natural Area (Registration required.)
Blanco State Park
Guadalupe River State Park
Palmetto State Park (Self-guided hike and sunrise bird hike)
Lockhart State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park (Guided hike)
Government Canyon State Natural Area
Lake Somerville State Park
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Inks Lake State Park (Guided hike)
Old Tunnel State Park (Guided hike)Hill Country State Natural Area (Gu
Hill Country State Natural Area (Gu ided hike)
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site (First Day Bird Walk)
Dinosaur Valley State Park (Guided hike)
Meridian State Park (Story Book Stroll)
Colorado Bend State Park (Guided hike)
Lake Brownwood State Park
Bastrop State Park (Ranger-guided birding)
Buescher State Park

North Texas

Ray Roberts Lake State Park (Johnson Branch & Isle du Bois. Guided and unguided hikes.)
Eisenhower State Park
Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway (Guided hike)
Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park (Registration required)
Lake Whitney State Park (Guided mindful walk)
Bonham State Park (Guided hike)
Lake Arrowhead State Park
Purtis Creek State Park
Possum Kingdom State Park

South Texas & Rio Grande Valley

Falcon State Park (Guided hike)
Choke Canyon State Park
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Goliad State Park & Historic Site (Guided hikes)
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Resaca de la Palma State Park
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park

West Texas & Panhandle

Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Guided and unguided hikes.)
Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
Copper Breaks State Park
Abilene State Park
San Angelo State Park
Big Spring State Park (Guided hike)
Davis Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
Big Bend Ranch State Park (including Chinati Mountains)
Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site (Guided and unguided)

state parks new year's day new years exercise hiking

HAUTE PROPERTIES

Southern Living picks Texas Hill Country as location of 2026 Idea House

Southern Living Idea House Fredericksburg

Rendering by Jon Messer.

Southern Living Idea House will be open for tours beginning September 18.

Whether Texas is part of the South may still be an open question, but Southern Living is settling the debate with a big investment. The Birmingham, Alabama-based lifestyle magazine will build its newest Idea House in the Hill Country town of Fredericksburg.

For more than 35 years, Southern Living has drafted Southern builders, architects, and designers to build new homes that not only showcase the latest innovations in home design but are the epitomes of Southern style. This year, the magazine chose Fredericksburg's Friedën community, a 130-acre development featuring parks, nature trails, and lakes.

"We're excited to call Fredericksburg home for the year and to celebrate the distinct character of the Texas Hill Country,” says editor-in-chief Sid Evans in a release. “Surrounded by rolling hills and wide-open views, this home reflects the region's natural beauty and the relaxed spirit of the Lone Star State."

The design of the versatile home proves the modern farmhouse trend still has some legs. Southern Living’s designers update the look by ditching whitewashed everything for a more contemporary color palette that blends in with the Hill Country’s natural landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows further “dissolve the boundaries” between the interior and the great outdoors.

To bring their vision to life, Southern Living drafted a local team, including builder Kurk Homes, architect Andrew Bray of Mustard Architects, landscape designer Melissa Gerstle, and interior designers Jean Liu, Marcus Mohon, and Paloma Contreras. But real estate gawkers will have to wait to see most of the details. The house won’t be unveiled until September 18, when public tours open and the October issue hits stands.

Southern Living, however, did tease a few details, saying the home is being built for “multi-generational” living with sustainable products and appliances, a motor court entry, and a private casita. No doubt, interior design buffs will also find inspiration in the decor's bold choices. Last year’s Idea House in Virginia mixed in everything from garden florals and African mudcloth to animal prints and kitchsy cottagecore art.

The Idea House will be open to the public for tours from September 18 through December 20, 2026. Tickets will be available beginning in April, with a portion of the proceeds supporting area charities. After the open house, the home will be available for sale at an undisclosed price.

homes home design interior design fredericksburg hill country southern living