Enjoy Your First Day of 2019 Hiking in One of New Jersey’s State Parks!

December 28, 2018 newjerseyisntboring

Start your new year off right by experiencing adventure in one of New Jersey’s State Parks! The New Jersey State Park Service is hosting 20 guided hikes, 2 mountain bike rides, 1 horseback ride, 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. Below is a list of events going on January 1st, 2019 in New Jersey!

Belleplain State Forest
10AM – 1PM Hike, 11AM – 1PM Bike Ride
Belleplain State Forest will host a 3.5 mile hike on the East Creek Trail. The hike will cover half the distance of the trail. The park recommends dressing for the weather and bringing water. Dogs are welcome (on leash only). Additionally a 10-mile mountain bike trail will start at 11am for ages 10+. You must bring your own bike, helmets are requires, and eye protection is recommended.
1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ

Cheesequake State Park
1PM – 3PM
Join Cheesequake State Park for a guided 2 mile hike to celebrate the New Year. Dogs on leashes are welcome!
300 Gordon Rd, Matawan, NJ

D&R Canal / Mapleton Preserve
12PM – 2PM
Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands invites everyone to a First Day Hike in the Mapleton Preserve on Monday, January 1, 2019, at noon. Exercise your New Year’s resolution to walk more, or make new friends on this easy 1.5 mile loop hike through the Mapleton Preserve. We know you will want to sleep in a little, so the walk will not start until noon. It will begin and end at the Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal State Park Headquarters at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston. Join them for cocoa afterwards! Dress for the weather, whatever it is. Children accompanied by adults are welcome to join.
145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ

Forest Resource Education Center
11AM – 12PM
Enjoy a guided one-hour hike along flat sandy roads at FREC’s First Day Walk of the NJ State Tree Farm, Nursery and Education Center in Jackson, NJ.Registration is required by calling (732)928-0987. Registered participants will be contacted by hike leader the morning of the hike if cancelled.
495 Don Conner Blvd, Jackson, NJ

High Point State Park
10AM
Come and join High Point State Park for their Second Annual High Point “First Day Challenge” Hike. This will be a great way to start off the new year and get in some exercise. The first, more rugged half of the hike will be on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in scenic High Point State Park. The return will be on the easier Iris Trail, a well-graded, old wagon road. There will be numerous scenic views along the AT on the ridge. Difficult to Strenuous ~ 6 miles. Dogs on leashes (max 6’) and children ages 12 and up with an adult are welcome. 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. Registration is required. Please call the High Point State Park Office at 973-875- 4800 or contact hike leader John Rovetto at 973-903-3496/johnrovetto@gmail.com
Route 23, Montague, NJ (just south of High Point State Park Office, 1480 Route 23)

Island Beach State Park
2PM – 3:30PM
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 1.5 miles out and back, but feel free to turn back at anytime. Naturalists will be on site to point out the flora and fauna present. Winter is a great time to experience the a natural beauty of IBSP! All are welcome, including well behaved dogs on leashes.Register in advance by clicking here!
2207 SW Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ – Meet @ Pavilion at Swimming Area 1

Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail (extension of Kittatinny Valley State Park)
10AM – 2PM
Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) at 10:00AM for their 34th 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. 4.5 miles. The cinder-based rail-trail provides easy, level walking. Children with responsible adult are welcome. Bring lunch and a drink. Dogs on a leash are welcome. No motorized vehicles on trails. No restrooms.
1 Footbridge Lane, Blairstown, NJ

AND

1PM – 4PM
Bring your OWN HORSE if you’d like to participate in a guided horseback ride. Trail ride approx. two hours – “Easy Peasy ride along the rail trail. Horse Rig Parking only at Halsey Farm. Lunch in Branchville. (Please note: The horseback ride is the only organized, guided activity at this location. All other suggested activities are your responsibility and should be conducted independently. Children 10 years and older with a riding adult welcome. Riding helmets are required. Bring along water and snacks. Registration is recommended. To register and/or for more information, call, text or email Carolyn at (845)667-2015 or cmoran789@gmail.com
Halsey Farm Corner Rd, Rt. 519/Halsey Road, Newton, NJ

Monmouth Battlefield State Park
11AM – 1PM
Walk the ground where Molly Pitcher fought at Monmouth! Meet Dr. David Martin, President of the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield, at the Visitor Center for an overview of the Battle of Monmouth, then drive approx. 2 miles (in your own vehicle) to the northern section of the Park, and walk along the American lines to the position of Proctor’s Artillery and other sites associated with Molly Pitcher. Finish with a visit to the likely site of Molly Pitcher’s “well.” The length of this interpretive tour is subject to change depending on weather and conditions. The tour is over open fields and hills and includes detailed information about troop movements at the Battle of Monmouth. Children age 10 and over with parent/guardian are welcome. Service animals only. No restrooms along hike.
20 Business Rte. 33, Manalapan, NJ

Liberty State Park
10AM – 12PM
JOIN LSP on a 3-mile, leisurely hike to Caven Point Beach. Come explore the manmade 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. All ages are welcome as are dogs on 6 ft leashes with responsible adults. Registration is required, please email with your name, contact information (email and phone) and number of people in your party to LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ

Parvin State Park
1PM – 3PM
Come explore the history of Parvin State Park, as you we walk through a 2 mile journey around park and imagine things 90 years ago. Children with parents/guardians are welcome; dog friendly. Please dress appropriately and bring along binoculars and cameras. Restrooms available. Registration is required. For more information and to register, email parvinvolunteers@gmail.com
Nature Interpretive Pavilion, 902 Parvin Mill Road, Pittsgrove, NJ

Rancocas State Park
11AM
Join Burlington County Park Rangers for a 3 mile hike at Rancocas State Park in Westampton. Begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike. Meet at the Rancocas Rd. entrance between Irick Rd and the Westampton municipal building. Children ages 6 and up, with responsible adult, are welcome. Service animals only.
Westampton main entrance, Rancocas Rd, Westampton, NJ

Ringwood State Park
1PM – 3:30PM
Two self-guided family friendly hikes in the State Park woodlands at the NJ State Botanical Garden. Weather permitting; you can climb to the Mt. Defiance overlook on the Halifax trail and return, or choose our alternate hike without a climb. This annual event is a joint project of State Park staff and volunteers from the NJBG/Skylands Association. Meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center at NJBG between 1pm and 2pm. Map and hike directions will be provided at the start. Allow about 90 minutes for the hike. Children with parents/guardians are welcome; small children may need to be carried. Service animals only.
New Jersey State Botanical Garden, 1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, NJ

Round Valley Recreation Area
10AM – 12PM
A 3-mile hike at either Cushetunk or Water Trail and look for signs of new life as the year begins. Children with adult’s welcome, service animals only. Bring along water, snacks and binoculars. Wear comfortable & sturdy footwear as terrain is all natural and not paved. Registration is REQUIRED. To register and/or for more information: Call park office (908)236-6355
Round Valley Recreation Area South Lot, 1220 Stanton Lebanon Rd, Lebanon, NJ

Spruce Run Recreation Area
8:30AM
A 15.2 mile hike that will take us along the Highlands Trail at Spruce Run, starting a little further along the reservoir, then following the Spruce Run through state owned lands. There are informal paths that connect the Union Furnace Nature Preserve to the Honachefsky Tract. From there, a walk and history talk through Glen Gardner, and then the new trail system recently installed along the Spruce Run in Lebanon Township. This hike is only intended for children ages 10 and up who can hike 15 miles in the winter and are accompanied by parents/guardians are welcome. Dogs on a leash are welcome. All participants need to be aware of the duration of the hike and prepare accordingly. Bring water, snacks and lunch, we may pass one small store on our way. One restrooms available early on the hike.
104 Mountain Top Rd,Glen Gardner, NJ

Twin Lights Historic Site
10AM – 2PM
Make a resolution and start your new year right by celebrating history atop the North Tower at Twin Lights! The North Tower will be open between the hours of 10:00-2:00 for a self-guided walk up the 64 steps to amazing view. Please bring along binoculars and warm clothes as the tower is not heated.
Twin Lights Historic Site, 2 Light House Road, Highlands, NJ

Washington Crossing State Park / Johnson Ferry House
10AM – 12PM
A guided walk of the route taken by the “stuff” of the Continental Army on Christmas Night, 1776 across the Delaware River into New Jersey. Sights and stops include the Washington Crossing Bridge, the Nelson House, the Ferry Boat replica, the pedestrian bridge, overlook, the Stone Barn, and the Johnson Ferry House. Interpretive Tour/Easy to Moderate at 1.2 miles. Children of 10 years and older with responsible adult are welcome. Bring cameras, binoculars, note pad, water and snack if desired. Service dogs and calm, well trained dogs on a leash welcome. Registration is REQUIRED. To register and/or for more information, call 609-737-2515.
Meeting Location: Begin at McKonkey’s Ferry Tavern in Washington Crossing Historic Park, PA (Hike will end at Washington Crossing State Park, NJ)
Meet at The McConkey Ferry Inn on the corner of Rte. 532 and Rte. 32, Washington Crossing, PA 18977. There is some parking available on Rte. 532 just after the Inn and in other public lots nearby (within a block of the site). Coming from New Jersey, the Inn is immediately after the bridge on the right.

Bass River State Forest
1PM – 4PM
Join for a 5 mile hike in the Warren Grove Recreation Area, at Bass River State Forest, which encompasses the Little Pine Plains and the “Pygmy Pines” – the world’s largest acreage of this globally rare forest community. Portions of the hike will be through places where the mature trees are scarcely taller than the hikers themselves and in some places are not. The hike will traverse several ridges that will provide fantastic views of the surrounding area. Recommended for children 10 years and older with responsible adult, welcome. Service animals only.
No restrooms or drinking water available. Registration is required and is capped at 25 participants. To register or for more information, contact the Bass River State Forest office at 609-296-1114.
Meet at the intersection of Beaver Dam and Radio Tower Roads. Directions: Turn onto Simm Place Road from Ocean County Road 539 in “downtown” Warren Grove. Take the first right on Simm Place Road and turn onto Beaver Dam Road. Follow Beaver Dam Road approximately 0.8 miles to intersection of Radio Tower Road.

Wharton State Forest
10AM
Come join fellow outdoor enthusiasts and nature guides for an entertaining romp out to the remnants of the Old Forge Pond and a previous Pine Barrens Nature Study area. Various habitats to explore and view. A great way to begin the New Year learning about the history and environment of this unique area. This is a 2-3 mile hike recommended for children 10 and over. Dogs welcome too! Waterproof footwear not required, but please dress for the elements, cold, damp, windy. Gloves, hat, warm gear suggested. Registration IS required. To register, please call Terry @ 609-412-3394.
4168 Nesco Rd, Mullica Twp., NJ

Wharton State Forest – Batsto Village
11AM – 1:30PM
Come out and join us for a brisk cross-country 10 mile mountain bike ride through the Pinelands of Wharton State Forest. Bring your own bike – one that is good for dirt, sandy trails. Bring and wear a bicycle helmet, eye protection, weather-appropriate clothing for bicycle riding, bring water, snacks (and lunch if you plan to picnic at Batsto). Be ready to pedal up some short hills! Registration is REQUIRED. To register and/or for more information call 609-567-4559 to register.

AND

10:30AM – 12PM
Start your new year with a family 1.5 mile history walk through Batsto Village.
Batsto Village Parking Lot, 31 Batsto Rd. off of Hwy. Rt. 542

Wharton State Forest – Atsion Recreation Area
10AM – 2:30PM
Start the New Year right! Get into the outdoors. Join the Outdoor Club of South Jersey on their 6 mile hike into our beautiful Pine Barrens.

AND

Wharton State Forest – Atsion Recreation Area
11AM – 2PM
Join a NJ Woodland Steward on a 5 mile nature hike around the historic Hampton Furnace settlement. This 5-mile loop hike will explore beautiful natural areas deep in the heart of Wharton State Forest. See historic sites! Enjoy the beautiful scenery. Learn about the fire dependent pitch pine ecosystem. Children 12 and over, with responsible adult, welcome. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.
744 US-206, Shamong, NJ

Ideas of Things You Can Do this January!