Sustainable Jungle recently commissioned a survey aimed at discovering the best nature walks to do on New Year’s Day, and Great Falls landed inside the top 10.
They surveyed 3,000 families asking them to rate which New Year's Day nature walks across the U.S. they would most like to experience at the start of 2024. Sustainable Jungle then put together a list of the 150 most sought after nature walks to do on New Year’s Day.
“These top 150 nature walks provide a guide for anyone interested in enjoying the beauty of the outdoors while fostering a deeper appreciation for our natural world. By exploring these destinations, we hope to inspire a greater sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment as we embark on a new year of conservation, renewal and change,” said Amber McDaniel from Sustainable Jungle.
Here are the top 10:
#1 Lanikai Pillbox Hike in Oahu, Hawaii.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the islands’ beauty, Lanikai Pillbox Hike on Oahu emerged as the most sought-after nature walk to experience on New Year’s Day. It is a 1.6-mile hike offering panoramic views of Lanikai and Kailua. It can be a challenging hike with some rocky parts, ideal for families who hike often.
#2 Lookout Mountain Trails in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
In second place came Lookout Mountain Trails in Chattanooga. Offering a range of trails with varying difficulty, the area around Lookout Mountain is perfect for families. The Guild-Hardy Trail is a popular option, providing a relatively easy and scenic walk through the forest with views of Chattanooga.
#3 Waimea Valley Botanical Gardens Trail in Oahu, Hawaii.
The third most popular New Year’s Day walk in the country is also in Hawaii. This 1.9-mile trail is more of a walk than a hike, passing through beautiful botanical gardens and ending at Waimea Falls.
#4 Tomoka State Park, Florida.
In fourth position is Tomoka State Park. It offers scenic trails where families can enjoy a leisurely walk amidst natural beauty. The Tomoka Trail is a half-mile trail that takes you along the Tomoka Point peninsula, and it's known for its beautiful shady maritime oak trees.
#5 Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico.
This walk offers a unique experience of exploring cool cave formations. The Big Room trail is around 1.25+ miles and has an option to take an elevator back up, which can be great for kids.
#6 Amicalola Falls State Park Trails, Georgia.
Located in the North Georgia mountains, this park is home to the tallest waterfall in Georgia, Amicalola Falls. The park offers various hiking trails, including the East Ridge Trail, which is a moderate 2.1-mile loop that provides stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding forests. There's also a short, paved path to an overlook for those looking for an easier option.
#7 Discovery Park Loop Trail in Seattle, Washington.
This 2.8-mile loop trail in Seattle's largest park offers a mix of forest and beach with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. It's an easy, well-maintained trail that's perfect for families looking for a nature escape within the city.
#8 San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas.
This park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The Mission Reach Trail connects several historic missions and provides an easy, flat path suitable for all ages. It's a great way to enjoy nature while also learning about Texas history.
#9 Great Falls Park Trails near McLean, Virginia.
Just outside of Washington, D.C., this park offers several easy trails that provide spectacular views of the falls where the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The River Trail, in particular, is a favorite for families.
#10 Radnor Lake State Park Trails in Nashville, Tennessee
Rounding up the top 10 is Radnor Lake State Park. This state park features several easy trails that loop around Radnor Lake, providing a tranquil nature experience right in the city. The Lake Trail, in particular, is a flat, 1.3-mile path that's perfect for a leisurely family walk.
The state of Virginia had three nature walks voted among the 150 most popular in the country. In addition to Great Falls:
#14 Shenandoah National Park, Stony Man Trail
Located near Luray, this is one of the easier hikes in Shenandoah National Park and offers stunning views. The trail is about 1.6 miles round trip and leads to one of the highest peaks in the park, offering breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
#71 First Landing State Park Trails in Virginia Beach
This historic park, where English settlers first landed in 1607, offers more than 19 miles of trails through protected salt marsh habitat, freshwater ponds, beaches, dunes, and forest. The trails are generally flat and range in length, making them suitable for families.
For more: Infographic showing the most sought after nature walks to experience on New Year’s Day
