First Day Birding

Location of Claytor Lake State Park in Virginia

Where

Program Location: Howe House - 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr., Dublin, VA 24084
Main Park Address: Claytor Lake State Park, 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr., Dublin, VA 24084.

When

Jan. 1, 2027. 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

New year, new hobby: birding. Take a stroll with our rangers to learn all the tricks and tips of bird watching and how to identify some of our common and migratory birds.

Please come prepared and download eBird Mobile and Merlin Bird ID apps on your device. Don't forget to bring a pair of binoculars or borrow one of ours. A bird checklist will be available upon arrival but if you would like a digital copy, please see the attached file. The walk is about 0.5 miles and relatively flat so good walking shoes and water are recommended. Please dress according to the weather, layers are recommended.

First Day Hike bumper stickers will be available for free at the Contact Station as well as at the Gift Shop from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. while supplies last. This is a free parking day to all guests.

The park has an All-Terrain Wheelchair available to all ages for free. For more information or to request a reservation, please visit the All-Terrain Wheelchair page.

photo of a Great Egret eating a small fish

About First Day Hikes

Every year on Jan. 1, Virginia State Parks celebrates First Day Hikes. This nationwide initiative invites people to ring in the new year by connecting with nature and making lasting memories at a state park. Ranger-led and self-guided First Day Hikes are offered across the state, giving visitors of all ages and skill levels the chance to explore outdoors. January 1 is a Free Parking Day at all Virginia State Parks. (The admission fee at Natural Bridge still applies).

Documents

birds-brochure-2026-pdf-(9).pdf

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-643-2500
Email Address: ClaytorLake@dcr.virginia.gov