The making of resolutions is a tradition at the beginning of a new year, and so are First Day Hikes at state parks and recreation areas in North Carolina.

That tradition continues in 2014. First Day Hikes provide opportunities for North Carolinians and others to reconnect with nature and exercise, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

At Goose Creek State Park, the First Day Hike begins at 1 p.m. Jan. 1. The hike begins at the parking lot of the park’s Environmental Education Center, which also serves as the park’s visitors center.

Nicole Crider, a ranger at the park, said the First Day Hike would take hikers through the park’s various terrains. Ranger Joe Martin will lead the hike, according to Crider.

“They’re going to be using pretty much all of the trails,” Crider said.

“Getting people out in nature, something healthy — both, of course, for for your mind and body — and being out in nature and starting the new year off right,” Crider said about the purpose of the First Day Hikes across the state.

Goose Creek State Park has eight miles of trails. Flatty Creek Trail meanders through an upland forest and uses a boardwalk to cross wetlands. Goose Creek Trail, about two miles long, passes through black gum and cypress swamps. Ivey Gut Trail winds through the forest and provides glimpses of upper Goose Creek. Live Oak Trail includes a canopy of live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. Palmetto Boardwalk Trail is accessible by people with handicaps. It crosses a freshwater marsh. Mallard Creek Trail takes hikers to an overlook on Mallard Creek. Huckleberry Trail meanders through huckleberry patches and connects Live Oak Trail with Mallard Creek Trail. The park’s newest trail, Tar Kiln Trail, is between the Mallard Creek and Palmetto trails. Several old tar kilns can be found along the trail.

In the past two years, hikers in North Carolina have joined rangers and volunteers to walk more than 6,000 miles on state park trails Jan. 1. There will be more than 40 scheduled hikes ranging from short “leg-stretchers” to four-mile treks, many of them offering interpretive programs along the way, according to a news release. All state park facilities will remain open on the holiday.

“As the holiday season draws to a close, First Day Hikes are an excellent way to relax, lose the stress and connect with the outdoors and the rich natural resources that distinguish North Carolina,” said Brad Ives, assistant secretary for Natural Resources at the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources. “We want to remind everyone that the state parks are a year-round resource for exercise, education and enjoyment for more than 14 million visitors.”

Details about all First Day Hikes in North Carolina can be found under “Education” at www.ncparks.gov.