Sip a champagne toast. Plunge into Lake Lanier. Hike into the sunrise.
Festivities abound to welcome 2025 at venues near the lake and headwaters. Here’s a sample:
o Dropping of the Edelweiss, Helen – Hors d’oeuvres, party favors, entertainment, dancing, midnight toast and edelweiss drop, 8 p.m. Dec. 31, Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse. $30 adults, $15 children ages 6-12, free to ages 5 & younger. www.helenchamber.com.
o Blue Ridge Overlook Sunrise Hike, Mountain City – a .25 mile leisurely stroll to overlook, enjoy coffee or hot chocolate before or after hike, 7-8 a.m. Jan. 1, Black Rock Mountain State Park, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy. $5 parking. 706-746-2141, www.gastateparks.org.
o First Day Hike, Gainesville – Ranger-led hike on Huckleberry Trail, 9-10 a.m. Jan. 1, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $3, plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726, www.gastateparks.org.
o First Day Hike, Dawsonville – a 1.9-mile ranger-led hikes to Appalachian Trail Approach Trail, includes climb on 604 stairs along waterfall, 9:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. plus birds of prey program at 11a.m., Jan. 1, Amicalola Falls State Park, 280 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org, 706-344-1515.
o First Day Hike, Helen – a 1.3 mile hike to primitive cabin for warming by the fire, then 1.2 mile hike to Duke’s Creek Falls, Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. $5 parking. www.gastateparks.org., 706-878-3087.
o First Day Elachee Hike, Gainesville – a 3-mile guided hike on Bridge Loop in Chicopee Woods, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 1, Elachee Nature Science Center, 2125 Elachee Dr. Limit of 20. Register in advance. Free. www.elachee.org, 770-535-1976.
o First Day Night Hike, Gainesville – Ranger-led hike on Overlook Trail, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 1, Don Carter State Park, 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd. $3, plus $5 parking. 678-450-7726, www.gastateparks.org.
o New Year’s Day Half Marathon/5K, Cumming – 8:50/9 a.m. Jan. 1, North Forsyth Middle School, 3645 Coal Mountain Rd. $24-$29. www.fivestarntp.com.
o Polar Bear Plunge, Gainesville – Annual plunge in Lake Lanier; festivities begin at 10 a.m., plunge begins at noon, Jan. 1, Lake Lanier Olympic Park beach, 3105 Clarks Bridge Rd. Also, hot chocolate, refreshments, silent auction, awards for best costume and jump. $30 plunge or paddle, $40 for both. www.exploregainesville.org.
o Falls to Farm First Day Hike, Sautee Nacoochee – an 11-mile one-way hike from Anna Ruby Falls to Hardman Farm Historic Site to explore the estate of the farm’s historic Nichol’s family; supported hike include shuttle from farm to Anna Ruby Falls, 4 support stops, post hike meal, tour of Hardman Farm and commemorative t-shirt, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 1, Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Hwy. 17. $40. https://fallstofarmfirstdayhike2025.eventbrite.com/
o First Day Hike, Clarkesville – Guided hike along Moccasin Creek to Hemlock Falls, 8-9:30 a.m. Jan. 1, Moccasin Creek State Park, 3655 Hwy. 197. $5 parking. 706-947-3194, www.gastateparks.org.
o Unicoi Lake First Day Hike, Helen – a 2.5 mile loop hike, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Jan. 1, Visitors Center, Unicoi State Park, 1788 Hwy. 356. $5, plus $5 parking. 706-878-3985, www.gastateparks.org.
o Bear Hair Gap First Day Hike, Blairsville – a 4.1 mile guided hike on Bear Hair Gap Trail on lower ridge of Blood Mountain, follows some steep slopes, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 1, Vogel State Park, 405 Vogel State Park Rd. $5 parking. Register in advance. 706-745-2628, www.gastateparks.org.
o Other celebrations: Information about New Year’s activities in Downtown Dahlonega and Margaritaville at Lanier Islands was unavailable by Lakeside deadline. Check websites for updates: www.dahlonega.org, www.margaritavilleresorts.com.
See www.gastateparks.org for more first day hikes.
