Photographers braved the cold to capture moments from their New Year’s Day hikes for a chance to win the Fairfax County Park Authority’s (FCPA) First Hike Fairfax photo contest.
The annual contest invited Fairfax County residents to submit photos from their first hikes of 2026 on the park authority’s more than 420 parks and 334 miles of trails.
This year, more than 250 residents submitted photos for the contest in the categories of scenery and landscapes, people, wildlife, and pets. Winners have been named for Best in Show awards in each category as well as at-large Director’s Choice and Judges’ Choices awards selected by FCPA leaders.
“Starting the year outdoors sets a positive tone for the months ahead,” FCPA Director Jai Cole said. “Our parks provide welcoming spaces where people can move, reflect and build a deeper connection to nature all year long.”
The Director’s Choice award went to Kimberly Berona for a photo taken at Huntsman Lake in Burke, while Marijke Gate scored the Judges’ Choice for a snapshot at Riverbend Park in Great Falls.
Best in Show winners included:
- Claire Bowman in the scenery and landscapes category for a Huntley Meadows Park photo in Groveton
- Catherine Gibney in the people category for a group shot at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station
- Joshua Brick in the wildlife category for a bird closeup at Huntley Meadows Park
- Parker Trasborg for a dog’s adventurous pose at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale
Voting is open for the People’s Choice Award through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The park authority selected twenty finalists for the award, and the winner will be chosen by popular vote.
The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced on Jan. 15 and receive a $100 Park Authority gift card.
The park authority introduced the First Hike Fairfax contest in 2017 to bolster the nationwide “First Day Hikes” initiative organized by America’s State Parks, which wants people to “start the year on the right foot” by going outdoors and connecting with nature. The contest generates hundreds of submissions showcasing Fairfax County parks’ scenery, wildlife and recreational amenities.
Last year’s People’s Choice winner was a photo by Rena Schild of flying northern pintail ducks at Huntley Meadows Park.
