Ring in the new year at a New Jersey state park, forest or historic site with a guided First Day Hike!
FIRST DAY HIKES ADVISORY: First Day Hikes may be postponed or canceled due to severe weather. Updates will be provided on this page. If you have pre-registered, please check in with your group leader to ensure your hike is still on before driving to your hike location.
Description Come and join us for our Sixth 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.
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, depending on conditions snowshoes or foot traction may be appropriate. Bring snacks, water, bagged lunch, binoculars and camera. This will be a strenuous hike. Although the pace will not be too rapid, please be realistic when assessing any medical conditions that may preclude such activities. Dogs on leashes (max 6’).
Difficulty Difficult to Strenuous - 6 miles
Age Children ages 12 and up with an adult are welcome.
Registration Registration is required. Please contact hike leader John Rovetto at 973-903-3496 / johnrovetto@gmail.com. Cancelled if there is steady rain, heavy snow or icy conditions. Please contact the park office prior to 1/1 at (973)-875-4800. Please follow the High Point State Park Facebook page.
Meeting Location Appalachian Trail parking lot - Route 23, Montague, NJ (just south of High Point State Park Office, 1480 Route 23).
Description Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) at 10:00AM on Sunday January 1, 2023 for their 38th Annual New Year’s 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. Bring a drink. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Difficulty Easy- 4 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing.
Age Children are welcome accompanied by an adult.
Registration Registration is required by emailing pbk123@aol.com or through Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail Committee Meetup page. Cancelled if deep snow, heavy rain, or heavy snowstorm. Cancellation will be listed on the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee Meetup page and people who RSVP'd via email will receive a cancellation email.
Meeting Location 1 Footbridge Lane, Blairstown, NJ 07825. GPS Coordinates: 40.981345, -74.957191
Description Please join us on a 3-mile, leisurely hike to Caven Point Beach. Come explore the urban and natural shoreline of the Upper NY Bay, with unique views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Skyline. We’ll 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 in Lot #4. Pets are not permitted on the program unless they are service animals.
Difficulty Easy - 3 miles. Please dress to be outdoors and wear sturdy footwear that can get wet/muddy. Bring water and binoculars if you have them as there will be birdwatching opportunities.
Age All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration Please call the Nature Center at 201-915-3400 x503 or email Liberty State Park Nature Center. Please include a contact name, phone number, email address and number of people you wish to register. You can register a maximum of six participants. Participants will be notified via email if the hike is cancelled. Also, please be sure to check our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LibertyStateParkOfficial) for any updates concerning the First Day Hike.
Meeting Location Park Office, 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Description Start the New Year right with a self-guided family-friendly hike in the State Park woodlands at the NJ State Botanical Garden. You can climb to the Mt. Defiance overlook and return, or choose an alternate hike without a climb. This annual event is a joint project of State Park staff and volunteers from the NJBG/Skylands Association and the NY-NJ Trail Conference. Service animals only.
Difficulty Easy to moderate - .5 - 2 miles. Please dress to be outdoors and wear sturdy footwear.
Age Children 10 or older.
Registration Registration is not required. For more information or about cancellations please email info@njbg.org.
Meeting Location Carriage House Visitor Center at the Botanical Garden, Ringwood, New Jersey (Morris Road)
Description Join us to kick-off the New Year for a point-to-point, 15-mile full-day hike along the Warren Highlands Trail! The route includes lovely pastoral views along Harmony Ridge, historic logging roads and passes by historic farmsteads. Experience beautiful views and visit the former iron mines of Marble Hill! This hike will also feature recent trail improvements including a slight reroute completed by the State Park Service in conjunction with the Phillipsburg NJ Youth Corps. As this hike is considered strenuous and for experienced hikers, a shorter option of the hike is available. Please coordinate with Mike Helbing at the start and spot cars will be set-up at the early-out point at approx. 6 miles. Dogs on a leash are welcome.
Difficulty Difficult - 15 miles with a 6 mile early-out point. Please dress to be outdoors and wear sturdy footwear.
Age Children 12 and over, with a responsible adult welcome.
Registration Registration is required. Please email your name, phone number, email address, and number of people in your group to sprucerun@dep.nj.gov. In the event of a cancellation, emails notifying registered participants will be sent.
Meeting Location Marble Hill Natural Resource Area River Road Parking Lot, Lopatcong NJ | Navigate to 40.709468, -75.191616 | Closest Navigable Address - 1099 River Rd, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
Description Why not begin this New Year with a Brisk winter Hike while enjoying the company of people with similar interests. Join us on this great winter hike in the Wawayanda Highlands where we will visit a Beaver Dam, cross over some beautiful wetlands and enjoy all what the winter woodlands have to offer. Dogs leashed - who are good with other dogs and people.
Difficulty Moderate - 5 miles. Please dress to be outdoors and wear sturdy footwear.
Age Children 10 or older.
Registration Registration helpful but not required. You may call Wawayanda park office at (973)-853-4462. Hike will be cancelled for heavy rain.
Meeting Location Meet at 10 a.m. in Wawayanda Lake Parking Lot - 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ 07421
Description This first day hike follows several park trails and allows participants to view the pine and oak forests of central New Jersey in winter. The hike will pass along several water bodies and wetlands which may allow for wildlife sightings. After the hike, participants can stroll through the historic Allaire Village at their leisure.
Difficulty Easy - 2 miles. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. Please bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you like.
Age Children 10 and over, with responsible adult are welcome)
Registration Registration is not required. For more information you can call Allaire State Park Office at 732-938-2371. Hike will be cancelled for snow, ice and rain.
Meeting Location 4265 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale, NJ 07727 - At the welcome sign in front of the first brown building with restrooms.
Description Ring in the new year by taking a leap back to the past at Historic Allaire Village, a preserved iron works village, where we will be taking a walk in the shoes of an early 19th century resident. We will learn what the day-to-day life of a villager was like in 1836.
Difficulty Easy - 1 mile. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
Age All ages welcome.
Registration Registration is required. Please e-mail wma12.njwap@gmail.com with your name and number of people in your party. Hike will be cancelled if it is raining, there are icy conditions, or temperatures are too low. Registrants will be emailed.
Meeting Location 4265 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale, NJ 07727 - At the welcome sign in front of the first brown building with restrooms.
Description Explore 300+ yeas of history in Elizabeth, NJ—oldest English settlement in the State and still developing! Service animals only. Group size is STRICTLY limited to 25 participants.
Difficulty Moderate - 1.5 miles. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
Age Not really suitable for children under 5. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration Registration is required. Call: 908-282-7617 or
e-mail boxwood73@aol.com. Hike will be cancelled for
severe snow or rainstorm (regular rain will not cause cancellation).
Meeting Location First Presbyterian Church, Broad St., Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Description Begin the new year with a Naturalist led guided hike at Cheesequake State Park. During the hike, participants will learn about the history and environmental highlights of the Park. Dogs on leash are welcome.
Difficulty Moderate - 2 miles. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
Age Ages 8 and up
Registration Registration is NOT required. For more information, call 732-566-3208. Hike will be cancelled if road or trail conditions are hazardous. Call Nature Center on Saturday Dec. 31st or after 10 AM day of event at 732-566-3208.
Meeting Location Cheesequake State Park Nature Center; 300 Gordon Road Old Bridge NJ 07747
Description Kick off the New Year with a hike along the D&R Canal and Greenway in Downtown Trenton! We will explore the history of the canal and consider the significance of this trail through modern-day Trenton. We will begin our hike at the Trenton Battle Monument, will continue along the D&R Canal until it connects with the D&R Greenway, and will then walk the D&R Greenway back to the Trenton Battle Monument for a 2-mile loop. The trail surface ranges from narrow dirt path to fine gravel to paved walkway and will require crossing several roads. Service animals only.
Difficulty Easy - 2.1 miles
Age Children ages 12 and up with an adult are welcome.
Registration Registration is required. Please email Mackenzie.Piggott@dep.nj.gov and provide your name, the number of people you are registering, and the best way to reach you day-of if the hike needs to be cancelled due to weather. If you need to cancel your registration prior to 1/1, please email Mackenzie. If you need to cancel your registration day-of, please call Mackenzie at 609-322-9723.
Meeting Location Trenton Battle Monument - 348 North Warren Street, Trenton, NJ 08638
Description Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands invites everyone to a First Day Hike in the Mapleton Preserve on Monday, January 1, 2023, at noon. Exercise your New Year's resolution to walk more, or make new friends on this easy 1.5 mile loop hike through the Mapleton Preserve. We know you will want to sleep in a little, so the walk will not start until noon. It will begin and end at the Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal State Park Headquarters at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston. Join us for cocoa afterwards. Dress for the weather, whatever it is. The walk is free and all are welcome. For more information, visit www.fpnl.org as we get closer to the New Year.
Difficulty Easy - 1.5 miles
Age Children accompanied by adults are welcome to join.
Registration No registration needed and visit the ww.fpnl.org website and/or call 609-683-0483 for cancellation information.
Meeting Location Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Office 145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ
Description Is your New Year’s Resolution to be healthier and spend more time with family? If so, join the Watershed Ambassador, Charlie Coriell, for a 1.5 mile hike at Bulls Island Recreation Area at 11:00 a.m. All ages and abilities are welcome to attend and after the hike participants can celebrate together with a cup of hot chocolate at the Bulls Island Office. Dogs on a leash are welcome!
Difficulty Easy - 1.5 miles
Age Children 8 and over are welcome on hike with responsible adult.
Registration Registration is required, please email wma11.njwap@gmail.com. Cancelations will be sent via email.
Meeting Location Bulls Island Recreational Area | 2815 Daniel Bray Hwy, Stockton NJ 08559 | Meet at Bulls Island Recreational Area Office across from canal bridge.
Description Let’s begin 2023 on an active note by walking the D&R Canal’s most southern towpath. Nestled within the Abbott Marshlands, explore Crosswicks Creek and all that it has to offer. Dogs permitted on leash. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing.
Difficulty Easy - 6 mile round trip.
Age Children under 10 should be accompanied by adults.
Registration Register at FirstDayHike.Eventbrite. Please email wma20.njwap@gmail.com for further questions.
Meeting Location Scenic Overlook (Access from Northbound Interstate-295, Hamilton Township, NJ 08611.
Description 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 s'mores to follow, weather permitting.
Difficulty Easy - 1 mile. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing
Age All are welcome, including well behaved dogs on leashes.
Registration Registration required and free, click here to register. Registered participants will receive an email if the program is cancelled.
Meeting Location Island Beach State Park, Swimming Area 1 - 2401 Central Ave., Seaside Park, NJ 08752
Description Hike through the farm fields where George Washington Commanded the Continental Army and Molly Pitcher fought during the Battle of Monmouth. This guided hike will let you enjoy the natural beauty while learning about the people and events of the Revolutionary War battle that took place here in June 1778. No restrooms along hike. Service animals only.
Difficulty Easy - 2.5 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing
Age Children age 10 and over with parent/guardian are welcome.
Registration Registration is not required. For more information, please call the park office at 732-462-9616. The hike will be cancelled if there’s snow, ice or rain. If the park office is closed, cancellation notice will be posted on the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield Facebook page.
Meeting Location Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitor Center - 20 Business Rte. 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Description After the party’s over: The ball has dropped over Times Square and Father Time has yielded the stage to a New Year. Resolve to step off into 2023 on an active, healthy start. We’ll hike one of our trails and witness how nature begins the year. Service animals are welcome, as are friendly leashed dogs.
Difficulty Easy - 2.5 miles. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Age Children seven and over with a responsible adult are welcome.
Registration Please call the park office at 908-236-6355, or e-mail RoundValley@dep.nj.gov to register. Hike will be cancelled if there are icy conditions or snow covered roads. For cancellations: until 12/29 call 908-236-6355, after that date call 908-963-0546.
Meeting Location Round Valley Recreation Area, 1220 Lebanon Stanton Road, Lebanon NJ, 08833 - South Parking Lot
Description Ring in the new year with a hike up to the top of the North Tower! A sweeping visita await, along with museum exhibits for the visitor to enjoy.
Difficulty Easy- 64 steps
Age All ages. Children must be accompanied by adults.
Registration No registration is required. Hike to the tower will be cancelled due to inclement weather if precipitation is or has occurred. The museum and gift shop will remain open. Please call the site at 732-872-1814 for details.
Meeting Location Twin Lights Historic Site - 2 Light House Road, Highlands, NJ 07732
Description This afternoon walk follows Somerville’s Peters Brook Greenway and Main Street with stops for historical interpretation from Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage’s historian. We leave Washington’s Headquarters Flags at two stone markers recalling George Washington’s passage through the area in early January 1777 and return for a brief festive open house at Old Dutch Parsonage as the sun sets.
Difficulty 3 miles
Age All ages.
Registration Registration is required by clicking here. You can email here or call (908) 725-1015 for more information or questions. Participants will be emailed if cancelled.
Meeting Location Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Parking Lot - 71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ 08876
Description Kick off the New Year with a First Day Hike at Bass River – New Jersey’s 1st state forest! Snap pictures along scenic Lake Absegami and visit the remains of a historic Civilian Conservation Corps camp. Afterwards, warm up inside Bass River’s exhibit space with complementary hot chocolate or tea! The event will end with an optional climb of the Bass River fire tower, if weather permits.
Difficulty Easy - 2 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age All ages are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are welcome.
Registration Registration is NOT required. Notice of cancellation will also be posted on the Bass River State Forest Facebook Page. Hikers should contact the Bass River office on 12/31 for inquires at (609) 296-1114. If the office is closed due to severe weather, hikers may call (609) 462-6228 for further information.
Meeting Location Bass River State Forest, 762 Stage Road, Bass River Twp 08224. Meet at the office.
Description Join us on New Year’s Day for a walk through Batsto Village! Tours will begin outside the Batsto Visitor Center, with planned stops at the mansion, general store, sawmill, and more. Sharing stories from the iron era to the present, interpreters will guide visitors through three centuries of Pinelands history. Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome.
Difficulty Easy - 1 mile. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age All ages are welcome.
Registration To register please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024. Hikes will be cancelled if icy or snowy conditions prevent the use of trails, high winds, thunderstorms, or if a state of emergency is declared.
Meeting Location Batsto Village Historic Site, Visitor Center, 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 – Meet Behind the Visitor Center, Next to the Ore Boat
Description Looking for some inspiration to tackle 2023? Join Wharton State Forest staff on a 2-mile, guided interpretive walk and learn about some of the resilient species in the Pinelands National Reserve. Topics include American eels, beavers, and carnivorous plants! Service animals are welcome.
Difficulty Moderate - 2 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age Children 10 years and older, with an adult are welcome.
Registration To register please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024. For more information you may email ally.horan@dep.nj.gov. Cancellations will be posted on the “Wharton State Forest” Facebook page. In the event of cancellation, every effort will be made to call those registered.
Meeting Location Batsto Village in Wharton State Forest 31 Batsto Road Hammonton, NJ 08037. Meet in front of the Batsto Visitor Center.
Description Looking for some inspiration to tackle 2023? Join Wharton State Forest staff on a 2-mile, guided interpretive walk and learn about some of the resilient species in the Pinelands National Reserve. Topics include American eels, beavers, and carnivorous plants! Service animals are welcome.
Difficulty Moderate - 2 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age Children 10 years and older, with an adult are welcome.
Registration To register please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024. For more information you may email ally.horan@dep.nj.gov. Cancellations will be posted on the “Wharton State Forest” Facebook page. In the event of cancellation, every effort will be made to call those registered.
Meeting Location Batsto Village in Wharton State Forest 31 Batsto Road Hammonton, NJ 08037. Meet in front of the Batsto Visitor Center.
Description Join us on New Year’s Day as we explore the history of fires and fire prevention at Batsto Village. This guided hike will span from the Batsto Mansion to the Batsto Fire Tower, with historical interpretation focusing on both the industrial use and destructive power of fire in the Pinelands. This event will be offered three times, throughout the day. Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome.
Difficulty Moderate - 2 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age All ages are welcome.
Registration To register please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024. Hikes will be cancelled if icy or snowy conditions prevent the use of trails, high winds, thunderstorms, or if a state of emergency is declared.
Meeting Location Batsto Village Historic Site, Visitor Center, 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037 – Meet Behind the Visitor Center, Next to the Ore Boat
Description Grab your Dog and Leash to join Megan and her Furry Friends for a hike through Belleplain’s Beautiful Forest. Megan started the first day dog hikes 5 years ago and is continuing the tradition to ring in 2023! She will take you on a few different trail systems to highlight the diverse forest landscape of Cape May County. Afterward, enjoy tea, hot cocoa and homemade treats (and homemade treats for the dogs as well!) around a campfire at the office! Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing.
Difficulty Moderate - 5.5-6 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age Children ages 10 and over, with a responsible adult are welcome
Registration Registration is preferred but not required (walk ups welcome!) Contact Belleplain Office 609-861-2404 or email Megan Ritter for more information and about cancellations.
Meeting Location Belleplain State Forest Main Office Parking Lot- 1 Henkinsifkin Road Woodbine NJ 08270
Description Join State Park Naturalist Matthew Pelligrine on a leisurely hike along the East Creek Trail in Belleplain State Forest. Pausing along the way to point out all things Nature! Dogs on leash are welcome!
Difficulty Easy - 3 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age Children ages 10 and over, with a responsible adult are welcome
Registration Registration is preferred but not required (walk ups welcome!) Contact Belleplain Office 609-861-2404 or email Megan Ritter for more information and about cancellations.
Meeting Location Belleplain State Forest Lake Nummy Recereation Area Parking Lot - 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ 08270
Description Join our naturalists to start the new year off with a two-mile hike in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest! We will take a deeper look into the wildlife and history of Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.
Difficulty Easy - 3 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Registration Please register here. If the hike is cancelled, the hike leader will email participants who registered.
Meeting Location Pakim Pond in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. Mile Marker 1 highway Route 72 East, New Lisbon NJ 08064. GPS Coordinates: 39.87967624452558, -74.53270789412915
Description Start the new year by getting into a little “Trouble.” Join us at Double Trouble State Park on New Year’s Day for a leisurely jaunt along the Mill Pond Trail and the picturesque clear waters of Cedar Creek. We’ll finish our morning with a guided walk through the historic village. Max 15 people. Service animals only.
Difficulty Easy - 1.5 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing.
Age Children ages 10 accompanied by an adult and older are welcome to register.
Registration Register for free at DoubleTrouble.Eventbrite. If hike is canceled, cancelation will be posted on event listing at DoubleTrouble.Eventbrite by 7:00 am January 1, 2023.
Meeting Location Double Trouble Village restrooms. Double Trouble State Park. 581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721 (for GPS, use intersection Double Trouble Road and Pinewald Keswick Road)
Description Come visit the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site and walk our nature trail. Listen and learn about Dr. James Still and his contributions to the area, take a moment to meditate in the reflection garden, spot some interesting bird species. No pressure to start early! Take it easy and enjoy a visit to the Education & Visitor Center when you are done.
Difficulty Easy - 1.5 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing.
Age No age requirement.
Registration Register for free by emailing DrJamesStillCenter@gmail.com. Hike will be cancelled if there is heavy rain or snow or icy conditions.
Meeting Location 210 Medford- Mt. Holly Road, Medford, NJ 08055
Description From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, most people are going non stop. Start 2023 off with a Reset and Recharge at Parvin State Park’s First of the Year Nature Walk. We will be walking our Green Trail starting at 11 AM. Pup’s on a leash are welcome to join us. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing.
Difficulty Easy - 3 miles
Age All ages are welcome
Registration Registration is required. For more information and to register, call Parvin State Park Office (856)-358-8616. Will be cancelled for snow. Participants will receive a phone call if it gets canceled. We will also post it on our facebook page.
Meeting Location Parvin's park office. 701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove NJ, 08318. Parking lot is located across the street.
Description Start the New Year with some historical knowledge of the park. Join Robert B. Zuest, Park Historian and President of the Parvin State Park Appreciation Committee for a Winter walk to learn about the history of the park as it pertains to Thundergust Lake, Danna Field property and Thundergust Cabin Colony. Animals must be on a leash as required by law and all dog owners must clean up after their animal - LIMIT IS 8 dogs, first come first served.
Difficulty Easy - 1.5 miles
Age All ages are welcome
Registration Registration is required. Email us your name, contact information and number of people attending and if you are bringing a dog - parvinvolunteers@gmail.com. Each registrant will be contacted by email if there any updates or for a cancellation notice.
Meeting Location Meeting at the Thundergust Picnic Area parking lot 857 Parvin Mill Road, Pittsgrove, NJ
Description The Friends of Tall Pines State Preserve invite you to join us and welcome in the New Year 2023 with our 3rd annual First Day Tall Pines Hike. The Friends will lead a leisurely walk along the trails of Tall Pines to observe the calm beauty of the Preserve in winter and to view the remarkably active bird life at the Preserve this time of year. We will also take the opportunity to familiarize the public with the Tall Pines Audio Trail, our new park benches and the pollinator garden. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Difficulty Easy - 1.5 miles
Age All ages are welcome
Registration Registration is not required. People can RSVP the event on the social media app Meet Up but are not required to do so. Hike will be cancelled for inclement weather (heavy rains or snowstorm) makes driving or hiking impractical. Rain/snow date is Sunday, Jan.8 at 1:00 P.M.
Meeting Location Tall Pines State Preserve parking lot. Street address: Bark Bridge Road and Indian Trail, Wenonah, NJ 08090 GPS coordinates: 39.78101, -75.13946
Description This hike will begin shortly before sunrise and head to Apple Pie Hill where participants will be able to climb the fire tower and watch the sun rise over the pinelands on the first day of 2023. Participants will be required to hike with the group from 532 to the fire tower in order to climb it. Only service animals are permitted.
Difficulty Moderate - 2.5 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age Children 10 years and older, with an adult are welcome.
Registration Registration is required. Please register by clicking here! Please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024 for further information.The hike will be cancelled if there are thunderstorms in the area or if heavy rain/snow is falling. Light rain/snow or clouds will not cancel the hikes. Registrants will be emailed.
Meeting Location The meeting location is the Batona Trail access point on Burlington County Road 532, Woodland Township between mile markers 12 and 13.
Description This hike will begin shortly before sunset and head to Apple Pie Hill where participants will be able to climb the fire tower and watch the sun set over the pinelands on the first day of 2023. Participants will be required to hike with the group from 532 to the fire tower in order to climb it. Only service animals are permitted.
Difficulty Moderate - 2.5 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age Children 10 years and older, with an adult are welcome.
Registration Registration is required. Please register by clicking here! Please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024 for further information.The hike will be cancelled if there are thunderstorms in the area or if heavy rain/snow is falling. Light rain/snow or clouds will not cancel the hikes. Registrants will be emailed.
Meeting Location The meeting location is the Batona Trail access point on Burlington County Road 532, Woodland Township between mile markers 12 and 13.
Description We'll make a loop around Whispering Pines following the Atlantic White Cedar and Whispering Pines Trails. We'll hike through pine-oak forests, Atlantic white cedar swamps and visit the old cranberry bogs. Only service animals are permitted.
Difficulty Moderate - 5 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age Children 10 years and older, with an adult are welcome.
Registration Registration is required. Please register by clicking here! Please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024 for further information.The hike will be cancelled if there are thunderstorms in the area or if heavy rain/snow is falling. Light rain/snow or clouds will not cancel the hikes. Registrants will be emailed.
Meeting Location Whispering Pines parking lot - located at the intersection of Burlington County Road 532 and Patty Bowker Road, Tabernacle Township.
Description First Day Hike at Whitesbog Saturday, Jan 1, 2023 at 10:00am Historic Whitesbog Village 120 West Whites Bogs Road Browns Mills, NJ 08015 Website Join Pinelands Institute at Whitesbog Village for a fun First Day Hike! Meet at the General Store at 10 a.m. Start your New Year off with nature and history! Dogs on Leash welcome.
Difficulty Easy - 3 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing, the bog areas can get windy with sugar sand paths.
Age Minors need to be accompanied by an adult.
Registration Registration is not required. Hike will be cancelled for heavy downpours or severe icy conditions. Please check our Facebook page for more information.
Meeting Location Whitesbog General Store- 120 Whitesbog Rd. Browns Mills, NJ 08015
The New Jersey State Park Service hosts annual hikes in state parks, forests and historic sites on New Year’s 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.
For all hikes and rides, wear sturdy footgear and bring water and snacks. Check the weather before you leave the house and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Layers are best for exercising in colder temperatures.
Please check our Facebook page for up to date information on January 1 in the event weather cancels any hikes.
We understand some prefer to discover New Jersey's state parks and forests on their own.
Click here for self-guided activities, videos, crafts and recipes which will allow you to explore and learn about the historic and natural treasures found within your state parks at your own pace.
Planning a hike on your own? Click here to see detailed trail guides for many of New Jersey's state parks and forests.