Leon County has a new way to start off the New Year…. taking a “hop” into Lake Sullivan. On January 1st, 42 brave adults and youth participated in the First Annual “Get Froggy at Fort Boggy” lake plunge – our southern version of the polar plunge, a more familiar event in our northern states.
From just dipping toes into the 60-degree water to swimming to the swim dock out in the lake, each participant found their own way to enjoy the event and celebrate the New Year. Once back on shore, everyone was greeted by park staff and volunteers from the Friends of Fort Boggy and received a solar blanket to ward off the chill and a commemorative “Get Froggy” beverage cup. They were then directed to the warming tent where more volunteers were serving up hot cocoa and coffee. Many participants captured the day’s event with a photo with “Froggy” as well.
Another New Years tradition that took place at the park was the First Day Hike, an annual event promoted by Texas Parks and Wildlife as a way to encourage people to get out and enjoy nature and the outdoors and its many benefits. The park has been hosting this event for the last 3 years and each year the number of participants grows as well as the total number of miles walked. Those that take part in the hike can choose any of the trails to walk, though this year the newly opened Tunnel Trail was the featured route with inspirational sayings posted along the way. Afterwards, participants checked back in at the park office to report which trail they walked so the miles could be logged. This year over 203 miles were walked by 85 people.
If you didn’t get to make either of these events this year, mark your calendars for 2026 and come out to Fort Boggy State Park and start your new year off right!
If anyone would like more information about Fort Boggy State Park, contact the park office at 903-344-1116 or visit their website at https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/fort-boggy.
For more information on the Friends of Fort Boggy State Park and their mission of supporting and promoting the park through membership, volunteerism or sponsorships, contact them via email at friendsoffortboggy@gmail.com or via phone at 903-907-0329.
We are always looking for new members and volunteers and encourage all to join us in our efforts to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of Fort Boggy State Park here in Leon County.
The Friends of Fort Boggy State Park is a volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established under the umbrella of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the laws of the State of Texas to support the operation, maintenance and education programs of Fort Boggy State Park.
