These Boots Are Made For Hiking … Even In January

January 5, 2025

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By KATIE ANDERSON

Happy New Year! Whether you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to get moving or just want to enjoy nature, January is a great time in Coweta to get out on the trails.

Before you argue that winter is not a hiking season, let’s consider:

1) Coweta winters are relatively mild.

2) The bugs and snakes are gone, for the most part.

3) Chattahoochee Bend State Park has you covered with their First Day Hike Extravaganza.

First Day Hikes are scheduled in state parks across the country, from Hawaii to Maine. Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Site rangers are offering dozens of guided adventures for families and friends. Here in Coweta, there are three hiking options on January 1st, offering something for everyone.

Hike 1 is for the New Year’s Resolution folks, who are looking to get off the couch and start the new year off right. This sunrise hike will begin at 7:30 am at the office, heading down to the Wild Turkey Trail to Trail Head One and back to the office. This hike is good for all hikers, and will last about an hour and a half. Cost = $5 per person, and $5 for parking.

Hike 2 is for the more experienced hikers. Starting at 11 am from the office, this hike will head down Wild Turkey Trail to the Riverside Trail, then back by the Tower Trail to the Wild Turkey Trail, and then to the office. Expect about three hours for Hike 2. Cost = $7 per person, and $5 for parking.

Hike 3 is a sunset hike, starting at 5 pm at Trailhead One and walking along the Flat Rock Trail. This hike is good for all hikers and will last about an hour. Cost = $5 per person, and $5 for parking.

For all three hikes, come dressed in comfortable hiking clothing and good hiking shoes. Bring plenty of water. Call ahead to register at 770-254-7271, as space is limited.

Naturalist Tony Pete is leading all First Day Hikes at Chattahoochee Bend. He says, “The importance of the first day hikes that we provide on the first of January is to encourage those that haven’t hiked before to get outside and enjoy nature and the beauty of the park.

“It is also designed to get your body used to doing something besides sitting on the couch and watching football or basketball games or playing video games. It is a time to get out and make new friendships.”

He also emphasizes the Boulder Trail, a wheelchair-accessible trail, as an option for a First Day Hike. It is a paved trail, similar to the LINC, where disabled citizens can get out and enjoy our park’s natural beauty.

“For me, I love to hike because it recharges my battery and allows me to look at and experience God’s hands in the park because of what I see, hear, smell and touch,” Pete said.

For more information, visit Chattahoochee Bend State Park online or, even better, in real life at 425 Bobwhite Way in Newnan.

Physical benefits of hiking: