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More than 250 Fairfax County residents turned their New Year’s Day outings into entries for the 2026 First Hike Fairfax photo contest, and voting is now open to decide the People’s Choice Award.
The Fairfax County Park Authority selected 20 finalists for the public vote. Ballots will be accepted until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13. The winner will be announced Jan. 15 and receive a $100 Park Authority gift card.
Participants submitted images from across the county’s network of more than 420 parks and 334 miles of trails. Entries featured landscapes, people, wildlife and pets.
Several photographers have already received awards selected by Park Authority leaders. Kimberly Berona earned the Director’s Choice Award for an image taken at Huntsman Lake in Burke, while Marijke Gate received the Judges’ Choice Award for a photograph from Riverbend Park in Great Falls.
The Best in Show winners were:
- Claire Bowman in scenery and landscapes for a Huntley Meadows Park photograph
- Catherine Gibney in people for a group portrait at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station
- Joshua Brick in wildlife for a close-up of a bird at Huntley Meadows Park
- Parker Trasborg in pets for an adventurous dog pose at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale
“Starting the year outdoors sets a positive tone for the months ahead,” Park Authority Director Jai Cole said. “Our parks provide welcoming spaces where people can move, reflect and build a deeper connection to nature all year long.”
First introduced in 2017, the contest supports the nationwide First Day Hikes initiative organized by America’s State Parks. It encourages residents to begin the year outside while showcasing Fairfax County’s scenery, wildlife and recreational spaces.
Rena Schild won the 2025 People’s Choice Award with a photograph of northern pintail ducks flying at Huntley Meadows Park.