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, 2025

Ring in the new year at a New Jersey state park, forest or historic site with a guided First Day Hike!


Hikes - Northern NJ - Central NJ - Southern NJ

Northern NJ

1

JAN

High Point First Day Challenge Hike
  • Wednesday
  • 10 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

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.

Difficulty Difficult to Strenuous ~ 6 miles (Natural with moderate incline)
Age Children ages 12 and up with an adult are welcome. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Registration Registration is required. Please contact hike leader John Rovetto at 973-903-3496/email here (email preferred). 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

First Day "Walk on the Wild Side"
  • Wednesday
  • 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Kittatinny Valley State Park

Description Start the new year off right with a 3 mile brisk walk in the park to soak in winter scenery with friends. Complimentary hot chocolote served afterwards. Please bring some holiday cookies/sweet treats to share with your fellow walkers.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 3 miles (Natural and concrete surfaces, moderate incline)
Age Children with responsible adult are welcome. Service dogs only.
Registration Registration is required: click here to register or please call 973-786-6445 for more information.

Meeting Location 199 Goodale Road, Newton, NJ 07860

1

JAN

HIKE FILLED TO CAPACITY
Hike to Caven Point
  • Wednesday
  • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Liberty State Park

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.

Difficulty Easy slow ~ 3 miles (Natural and compact surface, flat)
Age All ages are welcome. Service animals only.
Registration Please call 201-915-3400 x503 or email here.

Meeting Location 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305

1

JAN

40th Annual New Year’s Day Group Hike
  • Wednesday
  • 10:00 a.m.
  • Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail (extension of Kittatinny Valley State Park)

Description Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) at 10:00AM 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 length of the hike will be 4 miles. The trail is cinder-based which provides easy, level walking. Bring a drink. Children are welcome accompanied by an adult. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Follow us on Facebook Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 4 miles (Compact surface, flat trail)
Age Children age 10 and over with parent/guardian are welcome. Dogs on a leash are welcome.
Registration Registration is required by emailing here or through Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail Committee Meetup page. Cancellation will be listed on the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee Meetup page or email.

Meeting Location Footbridge Park, 1 Footbridge Lane,Blairstown, NJ 07825 GPS cooridinates: 40.981345, -74.957191

1

JAN

First Day Hike
  • Wednesday
  • 1 p.m. – 3:30 a.m.
  • Ringwood State Park-NJ State Botanical Garden

Description Start your New Year right on a self-guided family friendly hike in the State Park woodlands at the NJ State Botanical Garden. Weather permitting; you can climb to the Mt. Defiance overlook and return, or choose our alternate hike without a climb. Wear sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothes, small children may need to be carried. Start at the Carriage House Visitor Center at NJBG between 1pm and 2pm to pick up a map and hike directions. Allow about 90 minutes for a good hike. Snow or excessive cold cancels.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 1 mile (Natural and compact surface, flat)
Age All ages are welcome. Dogs on a leash are welcome.
Registration Registration is NOT required.

Meeting Location 5 Morris Road, Ringwood NJ 07456

Central NJ

1

JAN

Be the First to Hike Allaire
  • Wednesday
  • 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Allaire State Park

Description This hike will meet in the main parking lot of the park and will follow the green and red trails and 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 Moderate ~ 4 miles (Natural and flat surface)
Age Children ages 5 and over with parent/guardian are welcome. Dogs on a leash are also welcome.
Registration Registration is NOT required. For more information please call the Allaire State Park Office 732-938-2371. Cancellations will be posted on New Jersey State Park's Facebook.

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

1

JAN

Tour of Trenton along D&R Canal State Park
  • Wednesday
  • 10 a.m. - 1 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 Moderate ~ 3.5 miles (Flat, natural and compact surface)
Age Children accompanied by adults are welcome to join. Service animals only.
Registration Email here to register - including your 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

1

JAN

First Day Hike at Mapleton Preserve
  • Wednesday
  • 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Mapleton Preserve - 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston

Description Start the New Year off right with an easy hike through Mapleton Preserve. We know you want to sleep in a little, so the 1.5 mile 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 at 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston. It is FREE - all are welcome. After the walk, socialize over cocoa and cookies with new friends and old. Call 609-683-0483 for more information.

Difficulty Easy ~ 1.5 mile (Flat, natural surface)
Age All ages are welcome. Dogs on a leash are permitted.
Registration There is no registration required

Meeting Location 145 Mapleton Road, Kingston

1

JAN

NJ State Tree and Nursery Walk and Trail
  • Wednesday
  • 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Forest Resource Education Center

Description Enjoy an easy walk through the New Jersey State Tree Nursery and Trail. Dress for the weather!

Difficulty Easy ~ 1.5 mile (Flat, natural surface)
Age All ages are welcome. Service animals only.
Registration Registration is required on Eventbrite. Registered participants will be contacted by hike leader the morning of the hike if cancelled.

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

1

JAN

First Day Hike
  • Wednesday
  • 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
  • Island Beach State Park

Description Enjoy a scenic walk down the beach. Walk is approximately 1.5 mile round trip, 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 Easy ~ 1.5 miles (Flat and sandy)
Age All are welcome, including well behaved dogs on leashes.
Registration Registration required, click here to register. Registered participants will receive an email if the program is cancelled.

Meeting Location Island Beach State Park, 2207 SW Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ 08752, Pavilion at Swimming Area 1

1

JAN

Perrine Hill: Where Molly Pitcher Fought
  • Wednesday
  • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Monmouth Battlefield State Park

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 the hiker enjoy the natural beauty while learning about the people and events of the Revolutionary War battle that took place here on June 28, 1778.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 2.5 miles. (Slow pace, natural surface and flat incline)
Age Children ages 10 and over with parent/guardian are welcome. Service animals only.
Registration Registration is not required. Call (732) 462-9616 and/or check for cancellation updates here.

Meeting Location Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitor Center - 20 Business Rte. 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726 (About 2 miles west of Freehold Raceway Mall, Route 33 entrance)

1

JAN

2025 First Steps
  • Wednesday
  • 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Round Valley Recreation Area

Description Begin the journey of this New Year with a brisk walk through the natural world of Round Valley. We’ll hike about two miles on a mostly level trail with good footing. Maybe we’ll spot some of the northern waterfowl that visit our unfrozen reservoir over the winter. For all of the remaining 364 days ahead, you’ll remember your first steps. Dress for winter – layering is always a good idea. We’ll meet at the South Parking Lot and will start at 10:00 AM.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 2 miles. (Slow pace and natural surface)
Age Children ages 5 and over with parent/guardian are welcome. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Registration Registration is required on Eventbrite. An e-mail notification will be sent to registered participants in the event of a cancellation.

Meeting Location 1220 Stanton-Lebanon Road, Lebanon NJ 08833. Meet at the South Lot 40.619524, -74.849306

1

JAN

First Day Climb
  • Wednesday
  • 10 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.
  • Twin Lights Historic Site

Description Ring in the new year with a climb up the North Tower and take in the grounds of the Navesink Light Station!

Difficulty Easy ~ .25 miles (Compact surface, moderate incline)
Age Children of all ages are welcome. Service animals only.
Registration Registration is not required. For more information please call 732-872-1814.

Meeting Location 2 Light House Road, Highlands, NJ 07732

1

JAN

Old Dutch New Year First Day Hike: The Middlebrook Series
  • Wednesday
  • 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
  • Wallace House and Dutch Parsonage Historic Sites

Description The Middlebrook Series continues in 2025 with special events featuring the Forage War of the American Revolution this spring. This First Day Hike offers a teaser, following a gentle route along Somerville's Peters Brook Greenway and Main Street with stops for historical discussion of George Washington's March to Morristown through Somerville in January 1777 and a preview of upcoming special events and programs to look for in the new year for Revolution NJ, New Jersey's official observance of the 250th anniversaries of the American Revolution.

Difficulty Easy ~ 3 miles (Natural and compact surface, flat)
Age Chilren 6 years and older and dogs on leashes are welcome.
Registration Registration is not required. For more information please call (908) 725-1015. Cancellation information will be posted on Facebook.

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

1

JAN

Short-Naturalist Guided Hike
  • Wednesday
  • 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • Washington Crossing State Park

Description FIRST DAY HIKE Take a short naturalist-guided trail hike in the state park (1-2 miles) on New Years Day. Sturdy foot gear, drinking water and weather-appropriate dress recommended. Event will take place weather permitting. Meet at the Stone Barn across the parking lot from the Johnson Ferry House. Free. Event will take place rain or shine! Limit of 25 Participants!

Difficulty Moderate ~ 2 miles (Natural and compact surface, moderate incline)
Age Chilren 5 years and older are welcome. Service animals only.
Registration Registration is required, please register here. Registered participants will be contacted for cancellations.

Meeting Location 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd Titusville, NJ 08560-1517 (Stone Barn located across the road from the Johnson Ferry House)

1

JAN

From Ferry to Ferry, a Historic Tour Hike
  • Wednesday
  • 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
  • Washington Crossing State Park

Description Beginning at McKonkey's Ferry Tavern on the PA side of the river, we will then walk across the river bridge to the Jersey side of the river. We will proceed north on River Drive to the location of the upper ferry landing, then down to the lower ferry landing, describing the 1776 ferry service and how it was used for the Crossing of Dec 25-26, 1776. We will visit the ferry boat reproduction and describe how ferries function, then end the tour at the Nelson House where a warming and cooking fire will be going in a large hearth. Hot cider and hearth baked goodies will be available.

Difficulty Moderate .75 miles (Natural and compact surface, flat incline)
Age Children 6 years and older are welcome. Dogs on leash are welcome.
Registration Please call 609-737-2515 and leave your name, phone number and number of people. Registered participants will be contacted for cancellations.

Meeting Location McKonkey Ferry Tavern, Rt. 532 Washington Crossing Historic Park, Taylorsville, PA

Southern NJ

1

JAN

HIKE FILLED TO CAPACITY
Atsion Family Camp Trail
  • Wednesday
  • 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Atsion Recreation Area (Wharton State Forest)

Description Join us for a hike on Wharton State Forest's newest hiking trail - the Atsion Family Camp Trail. This 2.2-mile trail offers beautiful views of Atsion Lake and traverses dense stands of mountain laurel and towering Atlantic white cedars. Very little elevation change and sandy soil make this an easy hike. We will identify common Pine Barrens plant species and discuss Pine Barrens ecology.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 2.2 miles (Flat, natural surface)
Age Children of all ages are welcome. Dogs on leash are welcome.
Registration Register for this hike by submitting this online form. Registered participants will be contacted if the hike is cancelled.

Meeting Location Atsion Family Campground, Shamong, NJ 08088 (39.745972, -74.743974)

1

JAN

First Day Hike Nisky Trail
  • Wednesday
  • 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Bass River State Forest

Description Start the New Year off right with a hike through our beloved State Forest!We will be hiking the Nisky Trail, around 3 miles. Please dress appropriately and bring a snack and water!

Difficulty Moderate ~ 3 miles (Flat, natural surface)
Age Chilren 6 years and older. Service animals only.
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

New Years Day Hike in Basto Village
  • Wednesday
  • 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Batsto Village Historic Site (Wharton State Forest)

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 outside 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. Walking Tours are approximately 75-90 minutes and begin promptly at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. Reservations are not required, and tours are free and open to the public.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 2 miles (Flat, natural surface)
Age Children of all ages are welcome. Dogs on leash are welcome.
Registration Registration is NOT required. Please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024 for more information.

Meeting Location 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

1

JAN

First Day Nature Hike
  • Wednesday
  • 10 a.m.
  • Belleplain State Forest

Description Meet at the Belleplain Forest Office for a 3-mile guided Nature Walk through the woods. Tour takes approximately 3 hours due to Pine Barrens facts & lore as well as some tree identification.

Difficulty Slow ~ 3 miles (Natural and compact surface, flat)
Age All ages are welcome. Dogs on leash are welcome. Wheelchair and 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 are available at the park office.

1

JAN

10th Annual Dog Hike
  • Wednesday
  • 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  • Belleplain State Forest

Description Join Megan with her dogs on a New Years Day hike through Belleplain State Forest. This hike will be approximately 4.5-5 miles long. Dogs must be leashed at all times. This is a moderately paced hike with a few stops along the way to make sure the entire group is together. Weather Permitting. Rain will cancel. Snow will not.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 6 miles (Natural and compact surface, flat)
Age All ages are welcome. Dogs on leash ARE welcome. Not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
Registration Registration required by calling the park office at 609.861.2404. Hike 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 Hike
  • Wednesday
  • 12 p.m.- 3:30 p.m
  • Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

Description Get yourself ready for the new year by joining us for a 6-mile hike down our Cranberry Trail! We will be going over the plants, animals and history of the Pine Barrens on this winter adventure!

Difficulty Moderate ~ 6 miles (Natural and compact surface, moderate incline)
Age All ages are welcome. Leashed dogs are also welcome.
Registration No registration required. Please call the park office at (609) 726-1191 for further questions.

Meeting Location 103 Shinns Rd, Vincentown, NJ 08088

1

JAN

HIKE FILLED TO CAPACITY
Discover Double Trouble First Day Jaunt
  • Wednesday
  • 10 a.m. – 12 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 20 people.

Difficulty Easy ~ 1.5 miles (Flat, natural surface)
Age Children over 10 welcome with responsible adult. Service animals only.
Registration Registration required by visiting Eventbrite. For more information please call the park at 732-341-4098 or visit the Double Trouble Facebook Event Page. If hike is cancelled, registered participants will be contacted.

Meeting Location Double Trouble Village display room. 581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721 (for GPS, use intersection Double Trouble Road and Pinewald Keswick Road)

1

JAN

Dr. James Still First Day Walk
  • Wednesday
  • 12 p.m. – 2 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 Easy ~ 1.5 miles (Natural surface, flat)
Age Children ages 5 years and older. Dogs on leash are welcome.
Registration No registration is required. For more information please visit the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site Facebook page or call (856)367-1704. Cancellation due to weather related concerns will be decided by noon 12/31/21. Please check the Facebook page for announcements or call 856-367-1704.

Meeting Location Dr. James Still Historic Office Site - 210 Medford-Mt. Holly Rd., Medford, NJ 08855 (park out back please)

1

JAN

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

Description Start the new year off right with a refreshing hike along Parvin State Park’s scenic Green Trail! This guided hike will take you through pine forests, serene hardwood swamps, and along the shores of Parvin Lake. This 3-mile loop is rated easy, making it an ideal adventure for all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned hikers. It's the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and set a positive tone for the year ahead. Our knowledgeable naturalist will share insights about the park’s unique ecosystems, wildlife and history along the way. Don’t forget to dress for the weather, wear sturdy footwear and bring water and a snack.

Difficulty Easy ~ 3 miles (Natural surface, flat)
AgeAll ages are welcome. Dogs on leash are also welcome.
Registration Registration is required on eventbrite.

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

1

JAN

HIKE FILLED TO CAPACITY
First Day Hike in Rancocas State Park (Hainesport Section)
  • Wednesday
  • 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Rancocas State Park

Description We'll be hiking the three-mile Creekside Trail (blue trail). This route offers a view of both the north and south branches of Rancocas Creek. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars: waterfowl like the showy wood duck may be out on the water. Raptors like bald eagle and red-tailed hawk may also show up, as well as winter birds like bluebirds, juncos, and snow geese. Some basic wintertime tree and plant identification will also be on offer. It can get quite brisk along the open water, so layer up and bring a fortifying snack or even a hot beverage. There are no bathrooms at this site or drinking water, so please plan accordingly.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 3.5 miles (Natural surface, flat)
AgeChildren ages 12 and over are welcome. Dogs on leash are also welcome.
Registration Register for this hike by submitting this online form.

Meeting Location Rancocas Avenue entrance, Hainesport section, Rancocas State Park

1

JAN

5th Annual Tall Pines Preserve First Day Hike
Wednesday
  • 1 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 2025 with our 5th 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. The two new bridges over Mantua Creek will be a highlight. We will also take the opportunity to familiarize the public with the Tall Pines Audio Trail and the pollinator garden. At the hike's conclusion, light refreshments will be served.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 1.5 miles (Mix trail surface with moderate incline)
Age Children of all ages and dogs on leash are welcome. There are no restroom facilities at Tall Pines Preserve. Light refreshments will be served after the hike.

Registration Registration is not required. For more information click here. Cancellation due to inclement weather will be posted on FriendsofTallPinesPreserve.org and Facebook.

Meeting Location Bark Bridge Road and Indian Trail, Wenonah, NJ 08090. GPS coordinates: 39.78101, -75.13946

31

DEC

One Last Time for Auld Lang Syne Hike - December 31
  • Tuesday
  • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Voorhees State Park

Description Enjoy a leisurely stroll on Tuesday, December 31st through Voorhees State Park to end 2024 on a healthy note. Explore the woods and brook of this hidden gem in Hunterdon County. Trail surface is natural and includes varying surface types. Visitors should be prepared for a 2 mile slow hike.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 2 miles (Natural and moderate incline)
Age Children ages 5 years and older. Dogs on leash are welcome.
Registration Registration is required, please register via sprucerun@dep.nj.gov and provide name/phone number/e-mail address and number of people participating. Registered participants will be notified if the hike is cancelled.

Meeting Location 251 County Road 513; Glen Gardner, NJ 08826 - Park Police Headquarters Parking Lot

1

JAN

Sunrise Hike to Apple Pie Hill Firetower and Tower Climb
  • Wednesday
  • 6 a.m. – 8 a.m.
  • 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 sun rise over the Pine Barrens on the first day of 2025. Due to the overwhelming popularity of this hike, we will be holding a drawing to select participants on December 31 at 1 p.m. Winners will be notified via e-mail by 5 p.m. on the 31st. To add your name to the selection pool, you will need to register by 12:45 on the 31st. The hike and tower climb is expected to last until 8 a.m. Participants must hike to Apple Pie Hill with the group in order to climb the tower.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 2.5 miles (Natural and compact surfaces)
Age Children ages 10 and older accompanied by an adult are welcome to register. Service animals only.
Registration Register for this hike by submitting this online form. Registered participants will be contacted if the hike is cancelled.

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

1

JAN

First Day Hike To Apple Pie Hill
  • Wednesday
  • 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Wharton State Forest

Description We will walk 8 miles round trip on the Batona Trail at a moderate pace (2-2.5 mph) to the Apple Pie Hill fire tower. The fire tower will be available for climbing for a fantastic view of the NJ pinelands. Bring lunch to eat at the picnic tables at the fire tower. We will also stop at Tea Time Hill for a short break on our way to the fire tower. Bring water and bug spray. A porta pot is available at the start of the hike.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 8 miles (Natural and compact surfaces. The trail is flat except 100 ft. rise at Tea Time Hill and 200 ft. rise at Apple Pie Hill Firetower.
Age Children ages 10 and older accompanied by an adult are welcome to register. Service animals only.
Registration Register for this hike by submitting this online form. Registered participants will be contacted if the hike is cancelled.

Meeting Location 39.777789, -74.633068 - Carranza Memorial on Carranza Rd, Tabernacle, NJ 08088

1

JAN

First Day Hike
  • Wednesday
  • 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
  • Whitesbog Village Historic Site

Description Walk the trail system at Whitesbog to see the nature trails and bog trails, while hearing facts about the village’s history along the way. The General Store will be open and provide refreshments to visitors (coffee and hot chocolate) and cookies, after the walk.

Difficulty Moderate ~ 4 miles (Natural, sandy and compact surfaces)
Age Children of all ages and dogs on leash are welcome.
Registration Registration is NOT required.

Meeting Location 120-13 West Whites Bogs Rd. Browns Mills, NJ 08015

About

The New Jersey State Park Service is hosting 29 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 trail guides for many of New Jersey's state parks and forests.