FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 26, 2024
Contact: Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795
Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
Vincent Grassi (609) 984-1795
STEP INTO 2025 WITH A SCENIC FIRST DAY HIKE IN NEW JERSEY STATE PARKS, FORESTS AND HISTORIC SITES
(24/P61) TRENTON – The public is invited to kick off 2025 and connect with nature on Wednesday, Jan. 1 by joining a free, guided First Day Hike through one of New Jersey’s state parks, forests or historic sites.
The State Park Service is offering more than 30 hikes at skill levels from beginner to advanced, giving people of all abilities a chance to get outdoors and enhance their physical and mental well-being by experiencing nature.
“Hikers of all abilities have a variety of opportunities to enjoy our state parks and forests year-round, whether trekking through rugged, wooded areas, enjoying urban green spaces or exploring coastal marshlands,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “From High Point to Cape May, this is a great time of year to see New Jersey’s diverse environment while spending time outdoors with family and friends.”
Nearly 2,000 hikers participated in First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2024, collectively traveling 5,000 miles.
“Kickstart the new year immersed in the outdoors and history by joining a knowledgeable guide on a hike in one of New Jersey’s state parks, forests or historic sites and experience the amazing spaces that the Garden State has to offer,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “First Day Hikes provide the opportunity to reconnect, rejuvenate and set a positive tone for the year ahead.”
All events are free, but some require preregistration and are weather-dependent.
Beginner
Island Beach State Park (Ocean County): Take a scenic 1.5-mile walk along the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy Island Beach State Park’s natural beauty. Following the hike, join the Friends of Island Beach State Park for a bonfire and s’mores on the beach, weather permitting. Hikers will meet at 1 p.m. and leashed dogs are welcome. Registration is required at the Friends of Island Beach State Park’s website.
Parvin State Park (Salem County): This 3-mile loop hike through pine forests, hardwood swamps and along Parvin Lake is suitable for all. A guide will share insights into the park’s ecosystems, wildlife and history. Hikers will meet at 11 a.m. Registration is required at the hike’s Eventbrite page.
Moderate
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest (Burlington County): A 6-mile hike on the Cranberry Trail will explore the plants, animals and history of the pine barrens. Hikers will meet at noon. Registration is not required.
Paulinskill Valley Trail (Warren County): Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee for their 40th Annual New Year’s Day Hike on the Paulinskill Valley Trail, administered by Kittatinny Valley State Park. Children accompanied by an adult and leashed dogs are welcome on this 4-mile hike featuring a flat, cinder-based trail. Hikers will meet at 10 a.m. at Footbridge Park in Blairstown. Registration is required and may be made by emailing pbk123@aol.com.
Advanced
High Point State Park (Sussex County): Hike along a rugged section of the Appalachian Trail to catch a glimpse of numerous scenic views along the Appalachian Trail ridge before returning on the easier Iris Trail. Hikers will meet at 10 a.m. at the Appalachian Trail parking lot along Route 23 in Montague, just south of the High Point State Park Office. Children ages 12 and up and accompanied by an adult are welcome. Registration is required and may be made by emailing johnrovetto@gmail.com.
For a complete list of hikes and related details including trail descriptions and registration information, visit njparksandforests.org/firstdayhikes/.
Those who prefer to hike on their own instead of with an organized group are encouraged to use the State Park Service’s Trail Tracker web application to explore the full selection of hiking trails throughout the Garden State.
The DEP’s State Park Service began participating in First Day Hikes after the program became a nationwide event in 2012. First Day Hikes began more than 20 years ago in Massachusetts State Parks at Blue Hills Reservation. The program was launched to promote healthy lifestyles and year-round recreation at state parks.
The DEP’s State Park Service manages more than 454,000 acres of land, including 40 state parks and 11 forests.
To learn more about New Jersey’s Parks, Forests & Historic Sites, visit www.njparksandforests.org.
Like New Jersey’s State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newjerseystateparks.
Follow the New Jersey State Park Service on Instagram @newjerseystateparks