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First Hike Fairfax 2027

first hike fairfax

The amazingly popular First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest returns for 2027! Grab your coats and cameras and join the fun on New Year’s Day along more than 348 miles of Park Authority trails.

Participation is simple. Visit any FCPA trail on Friday, January 1, 2027. Take a photo to commemorate the experience and submit it online before Noon on Saturday, January 2. The photo submission link will be posted here by 7 a.m. on January 1, 2026.

Win prizes in one of the following seven categories; prizes are sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation:

People’s Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card or 25-visit FCPA Rec Center Discount Fast Pass (valued at $175)
Judges’ Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card or 25-visit FCPA Rec Center Discount Fast Pass (valued at $175)
Director’s Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card
Best in Show (Scenery/Landscapes): $75 Park Authority Gift Card
Best in Show (People): $75 Park Authority Gift Card
Best in Show (Wildlife): $75 Park Authority Gift Card
Best in Show (Pets): $75 Park Authority Gift Card

Photo Contest Rules

First Hike Fairfax is open to amateur and professional photographers.
Photos must be taken on a Park Authority trail on Friday, January 1, 2027
Submissions must be made online. A link will be provided above by 7 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 1, 2027.
Only one photo entry per person will be accepted (multiple family members may submit photos individually).
Photos must be in JPG format (no bigger than 5MB is preferred)
Contest submissions must clearly indicate the date and what Park Authority trail the photo was taken.
See full contest rules.

First Hike 2026

Thank you to all who participated with the Park Authority for First Hike 2026! Thousands of residents took to our more than 420 parks and over 330 miles of trails throughout the county to enjoy the start of a new year with friends, family and community.

This year, we had more than 250 entries in the annual photo contest. We recognize the artistry and creativity of all those who participated and express our gratitude for sharing a moment of your day and your unique perspectives of our parks with us.

We are very pleased to congratulate the following winners of this year’s contest: