Central Texans start 2026 with New Year’s Day First Day Hike
Visitors gathered at Mother Neff State Park in Moody for outdoor hikes and were served beans for good luck
MOODY, Texas (KWTX) - Central Texans began 2026 with morning hikes at Mother Neff State Park, joining people across the country who celebrated the first day of the year by heading outdoors.
Park officials say the New Year’s Day tradition encourages people to enjoy nature and start the year on a positive note.
“We’ll see it across state parks national parks just trying to get people and folks outside to enjoy the great outdoors and get on the right foot for the first of the year,” Melissa Chadwick, the Park Superintendent for Mother Neff State Park, said.
Hikers could choose their own trails at the park, taking advantage of favorable weather conditions. One visitor said the outdoor experience provides energy and motivation.
The Leon River Dutch Oven Gang prepared beans for visitors, continuing a tradition that considers the food a symbol of good luck for the new year.
Group member Lois Anderson said attendance has grown each year.
“It’s become very popular, and we’ve got people here usually by the time we set up at 8 o clock in the morning, they are already here to get started on the hiking trail,” Anderson said.
Hikers Brenda and Laura Powell traveled from Waco for the event, saying it offered a peaceful way to begin the new year.
“Being outside there is something about it that is peaceful, you can also see some of the green the juniper trees are evergreen so while the rest of the leaves are dropping, this is a nice break,” Laura Powell said.
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