The New Jersey State Park Service is hosting 29 hikes, 1 mountain bike ride and 1 horseback ride in state parks, forests and historic sites on New Years Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes program. These free First Day Hikes offer a great incentive to get outside, exercise, experience history, enjoy nature, and celebrate the New Year with friends and family in one of your state parks.
Here are a few events we think sound great! For a list of all the events, pleaseClick Here.
Please Note:Many events require registration. Please view the main 1st Daywebsite for more information.
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Atlantic County, Burlington County, Cape May County, Hudson County, Hunterdon County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Passaic County, Sussex County
Atlantic County
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Wharton State Forest
Hammonton, Atlantic County, NJ
Multiple Outings!
Batsto Mountain Bike Ride
Come out and join us for a brisk cross-country mountain bike ride through the Pinelands of Wharton State Forest. Be ready to pedal up some short hills!
- Bike Info:
- Easy pace ~ 10 miles.
- Registration Required:
- Yes
- Time:
- 11:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Batsto Village Walk
Start your new year with a family history walk through Batsto Village.
- Hike Info:
- Easy ~ 1.5 miles
- Registration Required:
- Yes
- Time:
- 110:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Wharton State Forest/Atsion Recreation Area
Start the New Year right! Get into the outdoors. Join the Outdoor Club of South Jersey on their hike into our beautiful Pine Barrens.
- Hike Info:
- Moderate pace ~ 6 miles
- Registration Required:
- No
- Time:
- 10:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Burlington County
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Brendan T. Byrne State Forest
New Lisbon, Burlington County, NJ
An enjoyable start to the new year begins with an introduction to the NJCF Michael Huber Preserve on Sooy Place Rd for a 2-mile hike through a variety of habitats. A good chance to see some winter birding and tree identification along the floodplain of the Burrs Mill Brook. Follow that with a short 5+ mile drive to Pakim Pond Picnic Pavilion where you may finish your morning with a group lunch and a chance to relax..AND/OR add a second short hike to your day with a stroll around the pond, camera in hand to document the birds, plants and beautiful scenery that you will witness at this location.
- Hike Info:
- Easy~ 2 miles
- Registration Required:
- Yes
- Time:
- 10 AM - 1 PM
- Address:
- P.O. Box 215, New Lisbon, NJ 08064
- Phone:
- (609) 726-1191
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Cape May County
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Belleplain State Forest
Join us for a hike in the Warren Grove Recreation Area which encompasses the Little Pine Plains and the Pygmy Pines the worlds largest acreage of this globally rare forest community. Portions of the hike will be through places where the mature trees are scarcely taller than the hikers themselves and in some places are not. The hike will traverse several ridges that will provide views of the surrounding area.
- Hike Info:
- Moderate ~ 3.5 miles.
- Registration Required:
- No
- Time:
- 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Address:
- 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ 08270
- Phone:
- (609) 861-2404
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Hudson County
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Liberty State Park
Jersey City, Hudson County, NJ
Please join us on a 3-mile, leisurely hike to Caven Point Beach. Come explore the manmade and natural shoreline of the Upper NY Bay, with unique views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Skyline. Well also explore the unique features of Caven Point Beach. Check in will be at the Park Office located at 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305. Free parking is available.
- Hike Info:
- Easy to Moderate ~ 3 miles
- Registration Required:
- Yes
- Time:
- 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Address:
- Freedom Way,, Jersey City, NJ 07305
- Phone:
- (201) 915-3403
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Hunterdon County
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Round Valley Recreation Area
Whatever you did the night before, this is your chance to get outdoors in New Jersey and start 2019 off on the right foot. We will hike either the Cushetunk or Water Trail and look for signs of new life as the year begins.
- Hike Info:
- Easy to moderate ~ 3 miles
- Registration Required:
- Yes
- Time:
- 10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Address:
- 1220 Lebanon-Stanton Road, Lebanon, New Jersey 08833
- Phone:
- (908) 236-6355
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Spruce Run Recreation Area
Join us for this point to point hike featuring some of the newest sections of the Warren Highlands Trail through Phillipsburg, Lopatcong, and Harmony Townships in Warren County NJ.
The route features scenic vistas, historic sites, mixed hardwood forests, pleasant back roads, and pastoral settings. Depending on snow cover, some alternative back road routes might be taken to alleviate more difficult sections. Included in this hike are the beautiful Ragged Ridge, Van Nest-Hoff-Vanatta Farmstead, historic Hoffman Farm, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Marble Hill, and various other outlooks.
- Hike Info:
- Difficult ~ 15 miles
- Registration Required:
- No
- Time:
- 9:00 a.m.
- Address:
- 68 Van Syckel's Road, Clinton, New Jersey 08809
- Phone:
- (908) 638-8572
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Mercer County
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Washington Crossing State Park (NJ)
Multiple Outings!
Washington Crossing State Park/Johnson Ferry House
A guided walk of the route taken by the 'stuff' of the Continental Army on Christmas Night, 1776 across the Delaware River into New Jersey. Sights and stops include the Washington Crossing Bridge, the Nelson House, the Ferry Boat replica, the pedestrian bridge, overlook, the Stone Barn, and the Johnson Ferry House.
- Hike Info:
- Interpretive Tour/Easy to Moderate ~ 1.2 mile
- Registration Required:
- Yes
- Time:
- 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Family Nature Hike and Tomahawk Throw
Come out for a short-guided winter walk in the park. After the hike try your hand at sticking a small hand ax into a wooden target at a range of about 15 ft. Maybe hit a bulls-eye.
- Hike Info:
- Easy~ 1 mile
- Registration Required:
- No
- Time:
- 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Middlesex County
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Cheesequake State Park
Old Bridge, Middlesex County, NJ
Join us for a guided hike on the trails of Cheesequake to celebrate the New Year.
- Hike Info:
- Moderate ~ 2 miles
- Registration Required:
- No
- Time:
- 1:00 p.m. - 3p.m.
- Address:
- 300 Gordon Road, Matawan, NJ 07747
- Phone:
- (732) 566-2161
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Monmouth County
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Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Manalapan, Monmouth County, NJ
Walk the ground where Molly Pitcher fought at Monmouth! Meet Dr. David Martin, President of the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield, at the Visitor Center for an overview of the Battle of Monmouth, then drive approx. 2 miles (in your own vehicle) to the northern section of the Park, and walk along the American lines to the position of Proctors Artillery and other sites associated with Molly Pitcher. Finish with a visit to the likely site of Molly Pitcher's 'well.' The length of this interpretive tour is subject to change depending on weather and conditions. The tour is over open fields and hills and includes detailed information about troop movements at the Battle of Monmouth.
- Hike Info:
- Moderate ~ 2 miles.
- Registration Required:
- Recommended
- Time:
- 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Address:
- Manalapan Township, NJ 07726, USA
- Phone:
- (732) 462-9616
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Twin Lights Historic Site
Highlands, Monmouth County, NJ
Make a resolution and start your new year right by celebrating history atop the North Tower at Twin Lights! The North Tower will be open between the hours of 10:00-2:00 for a self-guided walk up the 64 steps to amazing views. Please bring along binoculars and warm clothes as the tower is not heated.
- Hike Info:
- Easy- 64 steps
- Registration Required:
- No
- Time:
- 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Address:
- Lighthouse Road, Highlands, New Jersey 07732
- Phone:
- 732-872-1814
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Ocean County
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Barnegat Light House
Barnegat Light, Ocean County, NJ
A hike led by Greg Prelich and Jeanine Apgar to look for winter birds along the jetty at Barnegat Light State Park.There are many winter ducks, scoters and sandpipers at this time of year, and we will try to get good looks at them through a scope.
- Hike Info:
- Easy~ 2 miles
- Registration Required:
- Yes
- Time:
- 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
- Address:
- Barnegat Light, New Jersey 08006
- Phone:
- (609) 494-2016
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Bass River State Forest
Join us for a hike in the Warren Grove Recreation Area which encompasses the Little Pine Plains and the Pygmy Pines the worlds largest acreage of this globally rare forest community. Portions of the hike will be through places where the mature trees are scarcely taller than the hikers themselves and in some places are not. The hike will traverse several ridges that will provide views of the surrounding area.
- Hike Info:
- Easy-moderate ~ 5 miles
- Registration Required:
- Yes
- Time:
- 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Address:
- Burlington and Ocean Counties, New Jersey
- Phone:
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Double Trouble State Park
Join us New Years Day for leisurely jaunt along the Mill Pond Trail and the picturesque clear waters of Cedar Creek. Well finish our morning with a guided tour of Double Trouble Village including inside a century-old sawmill and cranberry packing house.
- Hike Info:
- Easy ~ 1.5 miles
- Registration Required:
- No
- Time:
- 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Address:
- 581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721
- Phone:
- (732) 341-6662
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Forest Resource Education Center
Join us for an easy 1 hour, 1 mile walk of the NJ State Tree Farm in Jackson, New Jersey. We will explore some trails ,view the tree farm and see our NJ Tree Seed Bank followed by a visit to the Education Center for Hot Chocolate.
- Hike Info:
- Easy ~ 1 mile
- Registration Required:
- Yes
- Time:
- 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Address:
- 495 Don Connor Boulevard,, Jackson, NJ 08527
- Phone:
- (732) 928-0987
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Island Beach State Park
Seaside Park, Ocean County, NJ
Ring in the New Year at beautiful Island Beach State Park! Join the Friends of IBSP for a scenic walk down the beach. Walk is approximately 1 mile out and back, but feel free to turn back at anytime. Winter is a great time to experience the natural beauty of the IBSP! Bonfire and smores to follow, weather permitting.
- Hike Info:
- Easy ~ 2 miles
- Registration Required:
- Yes
- Time:
- 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
- Address:
- Island Beach, New Jersey 08008
- Phone:
- (732) 793-0506
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Passaic County
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Ringwood State Park
Two self-guided family friendly hikes in the State Park woodlands at the NJ State Botanical Garden. Weather permitting; you can climb to the Mt. Defiance overlook on the Halifax trail and return, or choose our alternate hike without a climb. This annual event is a joint project of State Park staff and volunteers from the NJBG/Skylands Association. Meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center at NJBG between 1pm and 2pm. Map and hike directions will be provided at the start. Allow about 90 minutes for the hike.
- Hike Info:
- Easy to moderate ~1 or 3 miles.
- Registration Required:
- No
- Time:
- 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Address:
- 1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, New Jersey 07456
- Phone:
- (973) 962-7031
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Wawayanda State Park
Wawayanda State Parks first annual First Day Hike! This is a great opportunity to kick off a healthy New Year with friends and family exploring your neighborhood park! We are offering two options - a moderate hike, or an easy family-oriented hike. Please join us in celebrating the outdoors!
- Hike Info:
- Easy to Moderate: One hike is a family friendly 2.5 mile hike and the other is more moderate 7 mile hike
- Registration Required:
- Recommended
- Time:
- 10:00 a.m.
- Address:
- Sussex, Passaic and Morris Counties
- Phone:
- (973) 853-4462
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Sussex County
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High Point State Park
Come and join us for our Third Annual High Point 'First Day Challenge' Hike. This will be a great way to start off the new year and get in some exercise. The first, more rugged half of the hike will be on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in scenic High Point State Park. The return will be on the easier Iris Trail, a well-graded, old wagon road. There will be numerous scenic views along the AT on the ridge. Maximum elevation =1600 ft Minimum elevation =1300 ft. Members of NJ Search and Rescue will be along to assist.
- Hike Info:
- Difficult to Strenuous ~ 6 miles
- Registration Required:
- Yes
- Time:
- 10:00 a.m.
- Address:
- 1480 State Route 23,, Wantage, NJ 07461 07461
- Phone:
- (973) 875-4800
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Kittatinny Valley State Park
Multiple Outings!
Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail (extension of Kittatinny Valley State Park) - Blairstown
Wednesday January 1, 2020 - 35th Annual New Years Day Hike. Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) at 10:00AM for their 34th Annual New Years Day Hike starting at Footbridge Park in Blairstown, NJ. The PVTC, the Officially Recognized Friends Organization of the Kittatinny Valley State Park, will host the hike. The trail is cinder-based which provides easy, level walking.
- Hike Info:
- Moderate ~ 4.5 miles.
- Registration Required:
- No
- Time:
- 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Kittatinny Valley State Park - Andover
Calling all flappers, gangsters, and good old-fashioned fun-seekers to start the new decade off right with a brisk 2.5-mile walk in the park to stretch your legs and soak in the winter scenery with friends. Complimentary coffee, tea, and light refreshments served afterwards.
- Hike Info:
- Easy~2.5 miles
- Registration Required:
- No
- Time:
- 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
First Day Horseback Ride - Paulinskill Valley Rail Trails - Newtown
Horse rig parking is available near the trail at the Creamery Commercial Complex, Universal Supplies 45 US Route 206, Augusta and also at the Clearance center at Yetters Diner, 89 US Route 206, Augusta. Please contact Carolyn at cmoran789@gmail.com for further information. All riders are invited to gather at Yetters Diner for lunch to meet other riders and discuss upcoming clinic and activities for 2020.
- Hike Info:
- Easy ~ 3miles (depending on weather)
- Registration Required:
- Recommended
- Time:
- 11:00 or 1:00 starting times (or come on your own)
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
Stokes State Forest
Branchville, Sussex County, NJ
Join us in kicking off 2020 with the first hike of the year! Ring in the New Year right by getting outdoors and enjoying our public lands. During a 3.5 mile hike, well go past waterfalls and historic sites while searching for wildlife along the way.
- Hike Info:
- Moderate~3.5 miles
- Registration Required:
- Yes
- Time:
- 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
- Address:
- 1 Coursen Road, Branchville, New Jersey 07826
- Phone:
- (973) 948-3820
- More Info:
- https://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html
