First Day Hike with CSNWR

Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge invites the community to celebrate the beginning of 2025 with a First Day Hike. CSNWR will host its First Day Hike at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1. Led by Kay McCutcheon, participants will meet at the Lake Bee Recreation Area to be guided through a unique area of the refuge that’s truly “off the beaten path.” Refuge officials said the hike is free and offers an opportunity to connect with nature and fellow hiking enthusiasts. For those who prefer to hike at their own pace, CSNWR offers a variety of trails for all skill levels. There are short and leisurely strolls on the Woodland Pond Trail and Longleaf Pine Trail. Each is 20 to 30 minutes and less than one mile. The trails are located near each other and can be combined for a one- hour loop. For longer adventures, there are Tate’s Trail (three miles one way) and Doe Hill Trail (four-mile loop) that feature multiple access points, including Martin’s Lake, Wildlife Drive and Lake Bee. For a longer trek, both trails can be combined at their intersection near Lake Bee for a scenic 10-mile journey. First Day Hikes, promoted by state park agencies across the nation, invite people to discover America’s incredible natural areas, from Florida to California and everywhere in between. On New Year’s Day, many parks, forests and wildlife refuges host free, family-friendly hikes to encourage outdoor adventure. Last year, nearly 55,000 people joined a First Day Hike, according to the American Hiking Society. Reservations can be made at  https://FirstDayHikeCSNWR2025.eventbrite.com to reserve a spot.