2020 First Day Hikes

December 17, 2019
News
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference

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2020 First Day Hikes
Winter hikers jumping for joy! Photo by Heather Phelps-Lipton.

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Are you looking to ring in the New Year with a new adventure?

First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide program led by America’s State Parks. Free guided hikes are being offered by state parks in all 50 states to encourage hikers of all ages to get outside. In 2019, America’s State Parks reported that nearly 28,000 people hiked over 66,000 miles to celebrate the New Year. Whether you’re hitting the trails in New York or New Jersey, there are First Day hikes being held throughout the region to get you outside and connecting with nature. So find your trail and get outside this New Year's Day!

New York

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation are hosting more than 75 sponsored hikes being held at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas, and trails across New York. Local hikes include:

  • Ashokan High Point in Catskill Park
  • Devil's Path to Cod Fish Point in Catskill Park
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park
  • Hudson Highlands State Park
  • Meads Meadow Loop in Catskill Park
  • Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park
  • Peter’s Kill in Minnewaska State Park Preserve
  • Sam's Point Area of Minnewaska State Park Preserve
  • Saw Mill River Audubon in Rockefeller State Park Preserve
  • Sterling Lake in Sterling Forest State Park
  • Taconic State Park Copake Falls

 

To find and sign up for a New York First Day Hike near you, click here.

New Jersey

The New Jersey State Park Service is hosting 28 guided hikes, 1 mountain bike ride, and 1 horseback ride  in state parks, forests, and historic sites across New Jersey. Local hikes include:

  • Appalachian Trail in High Point State Park
  • High Point State Park
  • Kittatinny Valley State Park
  • Liberty State Park
  • Round Valley Recreation Area
  • Ringwood State Park
  • Spruce Run Recreational Area
  • Stokes State Forest
  • Wawayanda State Park

To find and sign up for a New Jersey First Day Hike near you, click here.

The Trail Conference maintains 2,165 miles of trails throughout the region--so there's a good chance you've enjoyed a trail cared for by our volunteers. Support these efforts today by becoming a member or donating to our mission. Or find out how to become a volunteer yourself