Start 2025 on the right foot with the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation's annual First Hike Photo Contest! Community members of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join the fun and explore the beauty of Fairfax County parks.
How To Participate
- Take a Hike. Enjoy a stroll through any of the Park Authority’s 420 parks or along more than 334 miles of trails on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.
- Capture the Moment. Snap a fantastic photo during your adventure.
- Submit Your Best Shot. Upload your photo online by noon on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, for a chance to win amazing prizes!
Join a nationwide First Day Hike tradition and start your year with an adventure! Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-time explorer, it’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors. This family-friendly community activity is open to photographers of all levels. Each participant can submit one photo in one of the following categories: Scenery/Landscapes, People, Wildlife, and Pets. Multiple family members may enter individually. Please remember to follow all park rules and safety protocols—photos depicting rule violations will be disqualified.
The following prizes are sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation:
- People’s Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card
- Judges’ Choice: $100 Park Authority Gift Card
- 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
Complete contest rules, photo submission instructions, and hike-planning resources can be found on the First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest website.
Hit the trails, capture the moment, and start the new year off with a win!
For questions about the First Hike photo contest, contact the Park Authority Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.