Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey State Park Service

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First Day Hikes in New Jersey's State Parks & Forests - January 1, 2024

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: If there is inclimate weather forecasted, and if you have pre registered, please check in with your group leader or park to ensure your hike is still on before driving to your hike location.


Hikes - Northern NJ - Central NJ - Southern NJ

Northern NJ

1

JAN

Explore Historic Mid-Town Elizabeth
  • Monday
  • 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Boxwood Hall Historic Site

Description Join us for a 1.5 mile walk through Historic Mid-town Elizabeth, NJ, the first English settlement in the state. Learn about the changes in the city, by viewing architecture & hearing stories about famous, infamous and should be famous former residents. Program begins at Old First Presbyterian Church (founded 1664) and includes a brief indoor tour of Boxwood Hall State Historic Site.

Difficulty Compact, Level ground along city streets - Moderate: 1.5 miles
Age Children ages 7 and up with an adult are welcome. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is required. Please call the site office at 908-282-7617 or email Katherine. Regisitered participants will be notified of cancellation by email or phone.

Meeting Location Siloam Hope-First Presbyterian Church, 42 Broad St., Elizabeth, NJ

1

JAN

High Point First Day Challenge Hike
  • Monday
  • 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • High Point State Park

Description The first half of this six-mile strenuous hike is on the rugged Appalachian Trail in scenic High Point State Park. The return will be on the easier Iris Trail.

Depending on conditions, snowshoes or foot traction may be appropriate. Bring snacks, water, bagged lunch, binoculars and camera. The hike will be guided the New Jersey Search and Rescue member John Rovetto and other fellow volunteer outdoor responders.

Difficulty Natural, Steep incline - Strenuous: 6 miles
Age Children over 12 welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly. Dogs on leash are welcome.
Registration Registration is required. Please contact hike leader John Rovetto at 973-903-3496/ email here. Hike will be cancelled if there is steady rain, heavy snow or icy conditions.

Meeting Location Appalachian Trail parking lot - Route 23, Montague, NJ (just south of High Point State Park Office, 1480 Route 23).

1

JAN

39th Annual New Year’s Day Group Hike
  • Monday
  • 10:00 a.m.
  • Kittatinny Valley State Park - Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail

Description Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) on Monday January 1, 2024 for their 39th 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 water.

Difficulty Compact Surface, Flat Trail - Moderate: 4 miles.
Age Children ages 10 and older are welcome. Leashed dogs are welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is required. Email here or register 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 or emailed.

Meeting Location 1 Footbridge Lane, Blairstown, NJ 07825. GPS Coordinates: 40.981345, -74.957191

1

JAN

FILLED TO CAPACITY

First Day Hike to Caven Point
  • Monday
  • 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Liberty State Park

Description Please join us on a 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.

Difficulty Natural and Compact Surface, Flat - Slow: 3 miles
Age All ages are welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly. Service animals only.
Registration Registration is required. Contact the Nature Center at 201-915-3400 x503 or email here for additional information. Registered participants will be emailed if cancelled.

Meeting Location 300 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305

1

JAN

First Day Horse Trail Ride or Just Yetters Lunch
  • Monday
  • 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
  • Sussex Branch Rail Trail/ Paulinskill Rail Trail

Description Bring your own private horse and ride the Sussex Branch rail trail. Organizers have arranged for special permission for rig parking: Creamery Complex - Universal Supply behind Quick Chek (only use big lot in rear located at 45 Rt 206, Augusta, NJ). Please do not park or ride on the grass and cleanup hay and anything else, of course. Weather determines how long the lasts. The ride will be a flat, easy rail trail loop. Or you can choose to just attend LUNCH - meeting up with the riders at about 1:00p.m. at Yetters Diner (89 Rt 206, Augusta, NJ 07822). Rigs can park by Warehouse Clearance with permission. At lunch plans for 2024 trips, parades, Historic Lusscroft Farm stalls/camping permits, share clinic information can be discussed.

Difficulty Flat, natural surfaces - Loop
Age All ages are welcome. Leashed dogs are welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is required. Please call or text Carolyn Moran at 845-667-2025 to RSVP - recommended who’s riding and who’s lunching, as NJ counts horse usage. If inclement weather, we will just do lunch.

Meeting Location 45 US Rt 206, Augusta, NJ (rear lot Universal Supplies) -OR- Any time after 1PM - Meet non-riders Yetters diner, 89 US Rt 206, Augusta, NJ

1

JAN

Hike around Wawayanda Lake
  • Monday
  • 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Wawayanda State Park

Description Join Park Staff in a 5.5 mile hike around the perimeter of Wawayanda Lake.

Difficulty Natural, Moderate incline - Slow: 5.5 miles
Age All ages are welcome. Dogs on leash welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is required. Please register by calling the park office 973-853-4462 and leave a message or contact the Wawayanda State Park Facebook page. Registered participants will be notified if the hike is cancelled.

Meeting Location Wawayanda State Park, Beach Parking Lot - 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ 07421

Central NJ

1

JAN

Be the First to Hike Allaire!
  • Monday
  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Allaire State Park

Description This hike will meet in the main Allaire parking lot of the park and will follow the green and red trails. The hike will be approximately four miles in length. Expect trails to be muddy and slick so appropriate hiking footwear is a must. Participants will hike through pine and oak forests and along waterways. Opportunities to view wildlife, birds and waterfowl will be possible.

Difficulty Natural Surface, Flat - Moderate: 4 miles
Age Ages 5 and older. Dogs on leash welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration not required. For questions or futher information you may call Allaire Park Office at 732-938-2371.

Meeting Location Allaire State Park - 4265 Atlantic Ave. Farmingdale, NJ 07727 - Main Parking Lot at Allaire Village

31

DEC

New Years Eve Hike
  • Sunday
  • 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
  • Cheesequake State Park

Description Celebrate nature on the last day of the year! We will meet at the trail head for a moderate 2-3 mile hike. Dress in warm layers and bring plenty of water.

Difficulty Natural Surface, Moderate Incline - Moderate: 3 miles
Age Ages 6 and older. Dogs on leash welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration required. Register here. Registered participants will be emailed if cancelled, for futher questions please email here.

Meeting Location 300 Gordon Rd, Matawan, NJ 07747 Trail Head Parking Lot (40.4364125, -74.2654129)

1

JAN

First Day Hike at Mapleton Reserve
  • Monday
  • 12:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
  • D&R Canal / Mapleton Preserve

Description Start the New Year off right with an easy hike through the Mapleton Preserve. We know you want to sleep in a little, so the walk begins at 12 noon. Dress for the weather, whatever it is. The walk is sponsored by Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands (www.fpnl.org) and will start at the Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal State Park Headquarters. It is FREE - all are welcome. After the walk, socialize over cocoa and cookies with new friends and old.

Difficulty Natural, Flat Surface - Moderate: 1.5 miles
Age All ages are welcome. Dogs on leash welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration No registration needed. Call Karen at 609-683-0483 for more information or cancellation updates.

Meeting Location D&R Canal State Park Office 145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ 08540

1

JAN

Titusville Loop Hike
  • Monday
  • 1:00 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.
  • D&R Canal State Park

Description Join us at 1:00 pm for an easy 2.5 mile First Day Hike beginning at Washington Crossing State Park's riverfront parking lot that will take you for a walk north along the towpath into Titusville. This historic riverside hamlet feels like a beautifully preserved time capsule with its many lovingly restored 19th century homes and beautiful views of the Delaware River; experiencing it is the perfect way to jump start 2024! Join us and discover this historic town, walk the length of the original River Road that pre-dates Route 29 and enjoy picturesque Delaware River views as well as Washington Crossing State Park on this towpath and sidewalk stroll. Put on your hiking shoes, dress for the weather and come enjoy this First Day Hike with us. Be prepared for a 2 1/2 hour walk.

Difficulty Natural and Compact Surface, Flat - Slow: 2.5 miles
Age Ages 15 and older. Dogs on leash welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration required. Register here.

Meeting Location Washington Crossing State Park River Parking Lot / Exact location.

1

JAN

FILLED TO CAPACITY

Tour of Trenton along D&R Canal State Park
  • Monday
  • 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
  • D&R Canal State Park

Description Join NJDEP and Canal Watch on a tour of Trenton along the historic D&R Canal State Park, exploring the past and present significance of this corridor through our Capital City. The hike will begin at the Trenton Battle Monument statue and will follow the canal through the City up to famous Cadwalader Park and back to the Battle Monument. The hike will be a total of 3.5 miles along varied terrain, and will begin with a walk through the city before hiking along the stone dust trail within D&R Canal State Park. The event will be limited to 35 hikers.

Difficulty Flat, Natural and Compact surface - Moderate: 3.5 miles
Age All ages are welcome. Service animals only. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration required. Please email here to register, including name, number of participants you are registering in your party and the best phone number to reach your party at in the event the hike needs to be cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

Meeting Location Trenton Battle Monument, 348 North Warren Street, Trenton, NJ 08625

1

JAN

Pine Forest Yellow Trail
  • Monday
  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Forest Resource Education Center

Description Enjoy a 3 mile jaunt on the yellow trail at the NJ State Tree Farm through an uplands pine forest to celebrate 2024.

Difficulty Natural Surface, Moderate Incline - Moderate: 3 mile
Age Children over 10 welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly. Service animals only.
Registration Registration is required. Register here. Registered participants will be contacted by hike leader the morning of the hike if cancelled. You may call the FREC office at 732-928-0987 for more information.

Meeting Location Forest Resource Education Center - 495 Don Conner Blvd, Jackson, NJ 08527

31

DEC

FILLED TO CAPACITY

Celebrating Hacklebarney's 100th Year Hike, December 31
  • Monday
  • 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  • Hacklebarney State Park

Description THIS HIKE IS SCHEDULED ON DEC 31, 2023. Enjoy a brisk, approximate 5 mile hike alongside the Black River and wooded trail network of Hacklebarney State Park. Help park staff celebrate 100 years of park enjoyment. The trail can be uneven in places and participants will need to hike up various inclines. Please wear sturdy hiking boots and bring walking sticks if needed.

Difficulty Natural and compact surfaces, moderate incline - Moderate: 5 mile
Age Children age 8 and over are welcome. Leashed dogs are allowed. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is required. Call 908-638-8572 or email to register. Participants will receive a call for cancellation.

Meeting Location 119 Hacklebarney Road; Long Valley, NJ 07853

1

JAN

IBSP First Day Hike
  • Monday
  • 1:30 p.m.
  • Island Beach State Park

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 smores to follow, weather permitting.

Difficulty Flat, Sandy surface - Slow: 1 mile
Age All are welcome, including well behaved dogs on leashes. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is not required. Email Friends of IBSP for further information.

Meeting Location Island Beach State Park, 2401 Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ 08752, Pavilion at Swimming Area 1

1

JAN

Perrine Hill and Sutfin Farm Hiking Tour
  • Monday
  • 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Monmouth Battlefield State Park

Description Hike through the farm fields where George Washington Cammanded the Continental Army and Molly Pitcher fought during the Battle of Monmouth. This guided hike wil let the hiker enjoy the natural beauty while learning about the people and events of the Revolutionary War battle that took place here in June 1778.

Difficulty Natural, Flat Surface - Slow: 2 miles
Age Children ages 10 and over. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly. Service animals only.
Registration Registration is not required. For more information, please call the park office at 732-462-9616. For cancellation check out the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield Facebook page or call park office.

Meeting Location Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitor Center - 20 Business Rte. 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726

1

JAN

FILLED TO CAPACITY

Round Valley First Day Hike
  • Monday
  • 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Round Valley Recreation Area

Description While the groundhog slumbers and awaits an early spring we invite you to join Park Naturalist Jim in putting your best foot forward for the annual First Day Hike! A 2.5 mile loop from the Pine Tree Trail to the Water Trail, the path begins wide and flat and switches to a rocky foot-trail with excellent views of the reservoir. Bring along water, snacks and binoculars. Wear comfortable & sturdy footwear as terrain is all natural and not paved.

Difficulty Natural Surface, Moderate Incline - Moderate: 2.5 miles
Age All ages welcomed. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Not wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is required. Register by calling the park office 908-236-6355 or emailing here. Registered participants will be emailed if cancelled.

Meeting Location Round Valley Recreation Area South Lot - 1220 Stanton Lebanon Rd, Lebanon, NJ 08833

1

JAN

Warren Highlands Trail Full Day Hike
  • Monday
  • 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Spruce Run Recreation Area

Description Join us to kick off the New Year for a point-to-point, 9 or 15 mile full-day hike along the Warren Highlands Trail! The route includes lovely patroral views through the former Miller Farm and areas to the west. There is one rock hop stream crossing within the first mile that will be somewhat tricky. The hike will pass over Shandor Summit and through state and county lands to encounter plendid views of Lopatcong Township. If staying for the entire hike, the hike will culminate along the Morris Canal Greenway in historic Phillipsburg.

Difficulty Rocky and Steep - Difficult/fast: 9 or 15 miles (This is an ALL DAY event; not for beginners)
Age Adults only. Dogs on a leash are allowed. All participants need to be aware of the duration of the hike and prepare accordingly. Bring water, snacks and lunch as the group will not be passing by any stores. No restrooms are available.
Registration Registration is required. Please e-mail your name, phone number, email address and preferred 9 or 15 mile option and number of people in your group to here. For more information contact Mike Helbing at 908-343-8374.

Meeting Location 9 mile version: Marble Hill Natural Resource Area - approximately 1099 River Road, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865.
15 mile version: Pohatcong Plaza by the Home Goods Store - 1278 US-22 Phillipsburg, NJ 08865.

1

JAN

North Tower Hike
  • Monday
  • 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  • Twin Lights Historic Site

Description Bring in the New Year with a climb of the North Tower! Just 64 steps to one of the most beautiful views on the Jersey Shore. The Museum will be open as well, so be sure to check out the new exhibit!

Difficulty Concrete steps, Steep Incline - Own pace: 64 steps
Age All ages welcomed. Service animals only. Not wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Registration No registration is required. Please call the site at 732-872-1814 for details.

Meeting Location Twin Lights Historic Site - 2 Light House Road, Highlands, NJ 07732

1

JAN

Old Dutch New Year: Jerseyman's New Year in Virginia, 177
  • Monday
  • 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  • Wallace House and Dutch Parsonage Historic Sites

Description Enjoy an afternoon walk along Somerville's Peters Brook Greenway and Main Street. Along the way we read passages from the Journal of Philip Vickers Fithian for a Jerseyman in Virginia's account of New Year's Day 177 4, unknowingly on the eve of the American Revolution.

Difficulty Natural and Compact Surface, Flat - Slow: 3 miles
Age All ages welcomed. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is not required. Email here or call (908) 725-1015 for more information.

Meeting Location Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Parking Lot - 71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ 08876

1

JAN

First Day Nature Hike
  • Monday
  • 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  • Washington Crossing State Park

Description Enjoy a leisurely paced hike on the red-dot trail while park staff shares some interesting nature facts along the way.

Difficulty Natural, Moderate incline - Moderate: 2 miles
Age Children over 6 welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly. Service animals only.
Registration Registration is required. Please register here or call the site at 732-872-1814 for details.

Meeting Location 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Titusville, NJ 08560

Southern NJ

1

JAN

First Day Hike
  • Monday
  • 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Bass River State Forest

Description Kick off the New Year with a First Day Hike at Bass River - New Jersey's 1st state forest! Snap pictures as we travel the cedar swamp board walk, walk along scenic Lake Absegami and visit the remains of the historic Civilian Conservation Corps camp. The hike is approximately 2.5 miles and 2.5 hours long.

Difficulty Natural and Compact Surface, Flat - Slow: 2.5 miles
Age Children 8 years and older are welcome to register. No dogs. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is required, please contact the Bass River State Forest office at 609-296-1114. Registered participants will be notified if the hike is cancelled due to weather.

Meeting Location Bass River State Forest Office - 762 Stage Road, Bass River Twp 08224

1

JAN

9th Annual Dog Hike
  • Monday
  • 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Belleplain State Forest

Description Bring your *leashed* furry friend to join Megan and her dog on a moderate 6 mile hike. There will be a brief stop halfway through for a break. Please ensure you, your family and your dog can walk that far. Megan will be concluding Belleplain's "Paws 4 Cause"Fundraiser - If you would like to bring Wet Dog or Cat Food, treats, or Toys for the Ocean City Humane Society, she will gladly accept any donations! Restrooms available at the park office. Wear proper shoes!

Difficulty Natural and Compact Surface, Flat - Moderate: 6 miles
Age All ages are welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is not required. For more information, call Megan at 609-861-2404. Will be cancelled for extremely bad weather - updates will be made on Belleplain Facebook.

Meeting Location Belleplain State Forest Office - 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ 08270. Restrooms will be available at the park office.

1

JAN

First Day Nature Hike
  • Monday
  • 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
  • Belleplain State Forest

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, this is an easy hike along the top half of the East Creek Trail.

Difficulty Natural and Compact Surface, Flat - Easy: 3-3.5 miles
Age All ages are welcome. Dogs on leash welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration No registration required. For more information, call 609-861-2404. Will be cancelled for extremely bad weather - updates will be made on Belleplain Facebook.

Meeting Location Belleplain State Forest Office - 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ 08270. Restrooms will be available at the park office.

1

JAN

FILLED TO CAPACITY

Cross County Shorts
  • Monday
  • 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m
  • Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

Description Gathering with a brief exploration & hike of winter landscape in eastern Burlington County. A simple hike of 2 - 2.5 miles (or more) depending on the adventurous spirit of the day. Just enough hike to shake the 2023 cobwebs out of your head. Registration is limited to 25 persons.

Difficulty Natural, Flat Surface - Slow: 2.5 miles
Age Children ages 12 and older are welcome. Leashed dogs are welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration required, please call or text 609-412-3394. Cancellation information will texted to registered participants.

Meeting Location Savoy Blvd. and Mt Misery Rd. 39.88139; -74.44920

1

JAN

First Day Hike
  • Monday
  • 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m
  • Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

Description Join Brendan T. Byrne park staff on a 6 mile hike on the cranberry trail with discussion about interesting ecology facts along the way.

Difficulty Natural and Compact Surface, Flat - Slow: 6 miles
Age All ages welcomed. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Registration No registration required. Cancellation information will be posted on Brendan T. Byrne Facebook page.

Meeting Location Brendan T. Byrne Office Parking Lot - Route 72 east mile marker 1, New Lisbon, NJ 08064

1

JAN

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Discover Double Trouble First Day Jaunt
  • Monday
  • 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Double Trouble State Park

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 one-to-two mile leisurely jaunt along the Mill Pond Trail and the picturesque clear waters of Cedar Creek. We’ll finish our morning with a walk through the historic village. Max 15 people.

Difficulty Natural Surface, Flat - Slow: 1.5 miles
Age Children over 10 welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly. Service animals only.
Registration Registration required by visiting DoubleTrouble.Eventbrite.com for more information. If hike is cancelled, it will be posted on visit the Double Trouble Facebook page.

Meeting Location Double Trouble Village - 581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721

1

JAN

Dr. James Still First Day Walk
  • Monday
  • 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Dr. James Still Historic Office Site

Description Join volunteers from the Dr. James Still First Day Walk for a 1 to 1.5 mile easy hike through wooded and meadow areas.

Difficulty Natural Surface, Flat - Slow: 1.5 miles
Age Children ages 5 and older are welcomed. Dogs on leash welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration No registration is required. For more information please visit the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site Facebook page.

Meeting Location Dr. James Still Historic Office Site - 210 Medford-Mt. Holly Rd., Medford, NJ 08855

1

JAN

First of the Year Nature Walk
  • Monday
  • 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
  • Parvin State Park

Description Join our naturalist on the Green Trail to start off the new year. Become in-tune with native flora and fauna around, learning about migratory bird species and what different wildlife is doing in the winter.

Difficulty Natural, Flat Surface - Slow: 3 miles
Age All ages welcomed. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Not wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is required. Please call 856-358-8616. Participants will be called or emailed if cancelled.

Meeting Location Parvin State Park, 701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove, NJ 08318 (main parking lot)

1

JAN

4th Annual First Day Hike at Tall Pines Preserve
Saturday
  • 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Tall Pines Preserve

Description The Friends of Tall Pines State Preserve invite you to join us and welcome in the New Year 2024 with our 4th 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. At the hike's conclusion, light refreshments will be served.

Difficulty Natural and Compact surface with moderate incline - Moderate: 1.5 miles
Age All ages are welcome. Dogs on leash welcome. Wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is not required. More information is available here.  Cancellation due to inclement weather will be posted on our website.

Meeting Location
Tall Pines Preserve, Parking LotBark Bridge Road and Indian Trail, Wenonah, NJ 08090. GPS coordinates: 39.78101, -75.13946

1

JAN

FILLED TO CAPACITY

Sunrise Hike to Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower and Tower Climb
  • Monday
  • 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
  • c
  • Wharton State Forest

Description This easy 2.5 mile roundtrip guided hike will begin at 6 a.m. and head to Apple Pie Hill where participants will be able to climb the fire tower and watch the sunrise over the Pine Barrens on the first day of 2024. Registering for the hike will also register you for an Apple Pie Hill tower climb.

Difficulty Natural surface, Moderate incline - Moderate: 2.5 miles
Age Children ages 10 and older are welcomed. Service animals only. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is required. Space is limited; register here (registration will open on December 29 at 8 a.m) For more information, please call the Wharton State Forest at 609-561-0024 (Batsto) or Atsion 609-268-0444

Meeting Location Batona Trail access point on Burlington County Road 532, Woodland Township between mile markers 12 and 13.

1

JAN

FILLED TO CAPACITY

Carranza Monument to Apple Pie Hill Hike and Tower Climb
  • Monday
  • 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Wharton State Forest

Description Want to take the scenic route to Apple Pie Hill? Hike to the Batona Trail from the Carranza Monument! This guided hike will depart the monument at 10 a.m. arrive at the tower around 12 p.m. where you will take a lunch break and climb the tower before returning to Carranza. The roundtrip hike is 8 miles. Registering for the hike will also register you for a Apple Pie Hill tower climb.

Difficulty Natural Surface, Moderate incline - Moderate: 8 miles
Age Children ages 10 and older are welcomed. Service animals only. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration is required. Space is limited; register here (registration will open on December 29 at 8 a.m) For more information, please call the Wharton State Forest at 609-561-0024 (Batsto) or Atsion 609-268-0444

Meeting Location The meeting location is the Carranza Monument, Carranza Road, Tabernacle Township, NJ 08088

1

JAN

Walking Tours of Batsto Village Historic Site
  • Monday
  • 10 a.m, 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.
  • Batsto Village Historic Site

Description Join us on New Year's Day for a walk through historic 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. Please call the Batsto Visitor Center at (609) 561-0024 for additional information.

Difficulty Natural Surface, slow pase - Easy: 1 mile
Age All ages
Registration Registration is not required.

Meeting Location 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

About

The New Jersey State Park Service is hosting 31 hikes and 1 lighthouse climb 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.


Hiking Tips

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.


Discover on Your Own

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.


Find a State Park Near You!

Planning a hike on your own? Click here to see detailed trails and guides for many of New Jersey's state parks and forests.