The Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Foundation invite you to lace up your hiking boots and grab your camera for the 2025 First Hike Photo Contest! This is your opportunity to embrace the beauty of Fairfax County’s parks, enjoy time outdoors and compete for exciting prizes.
How to Participate
- Take a Hike: Explore any of FCPA’s 420 parks or 334 miles of trails on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.
- Capture the Moment: Snap a memorable photo during your adventure.
- Submit Your Best Shot: Upload your photo on the First Hike Fairfax website by noon on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, for a chance to win.
This family-friendly contest is open to photographers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely stroll, hiking with friends or capturing the perfect photo of nature, there’s something for everyone!
Generously sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation, participants can win one of these incredible prizes:
- 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
Each participant can submit one photo in a single category: Scenery/Landscapes, People, Wildlife or Pets. Multiple family members may enter individually, making it a fun activity for the entire household.
Join the nationwide tradition of First Day Hikes and celebrate the new year by reconnecting with nature. Don’t forget to follow all park rules—photos showing rule violations will not be eligible for prizes.
For full contest details, photo submission instructions and hiking resources, visit the First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest website.
For questions, contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.