To celebrate America's State Parks First Day Hikes, the New Jersey State Park Service is organizing eight free guided hikes and a horseback ride on New Year's Day 2012. America's State Parks First Day Hikes is a nationwide initiative to offer families an opportunity to begin the New Year connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2012. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.
Belleplain State Forest
10 a.m.
Forest Office
(609) 861-2404
The hike is 3.5 miles over moderate terrain and is for family members ages 8 and up. Families should wear sturdy footgear and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water.
New Years Resolution Hike at Double Trouble State Park
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Double Trouble State Park, Interpretive Center
(732) 341-4098
The hike is 8 miles and is easy to moderate difficulty over flat, sandy terrain. Family members of all ages are welcome. Families should wear sturdy footgear and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water.
Upper Paulinskill Valley New Year Hike - White Lake to Swartswood in Kittatinny State Park and Swartswood State Park
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Swartswood State Park Main Office
(908) 343-8374
The hike is 15 miles from White Lake WMA in Warren County to Swartswood State Park. It is of moderate to strenuous difficulty over rolling terrain. Minors are permitted with their parents, however this is a long hike that may not be suitable for younger family members. Hikers should wear comfortable, sturdy footwear and weather appropriate clothing. Families should bring a lunch and snack with plenty of water.
27th Annual New Year's Day Hike at Paulinskill Valley Trail at Footbridge Park and Kittatinny Valley State Park
10 a.m.
Footbridge Park, Blairstown - Parking lot
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
(908) 684-4820
Length of trail: 5 miles; easy to moderate; for all ages
Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing, and bring water. No pets.
3rd Annual New Year's Day Horseback Ride on Paulinskill Valley Trail at Halsey Farm
11 a.m.
Halsey Farm
Sponsor: Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee
(973) 948-3814
This is a horseback ride on a rail trail. Families should bring water bottle, suitable clothing, your horse and a pot luck to share.
Ringwood State Park
10:30 a.m.
Parking Lot A, Skylands Manor
(973) 962-7031
This hike is approximately 1 mile long and is suitable for all ages. Families should bring water, sturdy shoes/boots, and suitable clothing. Dogs are not permitted in this area of the park. There will be time to view the historic buildings at Skylands Manor. In the event of inclement weather and/or poor driving conditions, the hike will be cancelled.
Ringwood State Park
1 p.m.
New Jersey State Botanical Garden Carriage House
(973) 962-7031
The hike is 2 miles long over easy terrain in the New Jersey State Botanical Garden's woodlands. It is child friendly and is suitable for all ages. Families should bring water, sturdy shoes/boots, and suitable clothing. Dogs are not permitted in this area of the park.
Resolutions: New Year's Day Hike at Round Valley Recreation Area
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Round Valley Recreation Area, South Parking Lot
(908) 236-6355
The hike is 2 miles long and easy to moderate difficulty. All children with parents/guardians are welcome and families should bring water, sturdy shoes/boots, and suitable clothing.
New Year's Day Hike - Blue Dot Trail Hike in Washington Crossing State Park
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Washington Crossing State Park, Nature Interpretive Center
(609) 737-0609
This is a naturalist-guided winter hike through the heart of Washington Crossing State Park. The hike is 2.5 miles of easy to moderate difficulty and it is suitable for children ages 9 and older. Families should bring water, sturdy shoes/boots, and suitable clothing.
