Enjoy Your First Day of 2023 Hiking in One of New Jersey’s State Parks!

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 guided hikes, nature walks, 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, 2023 in New Jersey. I have marked these events by difficulty.

For more events throughout the year, check out our Event Guide.

If you’d like to submit your event, click here.

For more New Jersey Events and Adventures, follow along on Instagram, @newjerseyisntboring, and Insta Stories! Don’t forget to tag your own NJ fun with #NJisntBoring.

Easy/Easy to Moderate:

Historic Allaire Village Walk, 9AM – 10:30AM
Allaire State Park, meet at 4265 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale, NJ at the welcome sign in front of the first brown building with restrooms
Ring in the new year by taking a leap back to the past at Historic Allaire Village, a preserved ironworks village, where we will be taking a walk in the shoes of an early 19th-century resident. We will learn what the day-to-day life of a villager was like in 1836.
Difficulty: Easy – 1 mile. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Registration: Registration is required. Please e-mail wma12.njwap@gmail.com with your name and the number of people at your party. The hike will be canceled if it is raining, there are icy conditions, or temperatures are too low. Registrants will be emailed.

Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee 38th Annual New Year’s Day Hike, 10AM – 1PM
1 Footbridge Lane, Blairstown, NJ GPS Coordinates: 40.981345, -74.957191
Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) at 10:00 AM on Sunday January 1, 2023, for their 38th 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. Bring a drink. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Difficulty: Easy- 4 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing.
Age: Children are welcome accompanied by an adult.
Registration: Registration is required by emailing pbk123@aol.com or through Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail Committee Meetup page. Canceled if deep snow, heavy rain, or heavy snowstorm. Cancellation will be listed on the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee Meetup page and people who RSVP’d via email will receive a cancellation email.

First Day Bog Trek, 10AM – 11:30AM
Whitesbog Historic Village at Brendan T. Byrne; Whitesbog General Store- 120 Whitesbog Rd. Browns Mills, NJ
Join Pinelands Institute at Whitesbog Village for a fun First Day Hike! Meet at the General Store at 10 a.m. Start your New Year off with nature and history! Dogs on Leash welcome.
Difficulty: Easy – 3 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing, the bog areas can get windy with sugar sand paths.
Age: Minors need to be accompanied by an adult.
Registration: Registration is not required. Hike will be cancelled for heavy downpours or severe icy conditions. Please check their Facebook page for more information.

First Day Hike at Bass River, 10AM – 12PM
Bass River State Forest, 762 Stage Road, Bass River Twp, NJ. Meet at the office.
Kick off the New Year with a First Day Hike at Bass River – New Jersey’s 1st state forest! Snap pictures along scenic Lake Absegami and visit the remains of a historic Civilian Conservation Corps camp. Afterward, warm up inside Bass River’s exhibit space with complimentary hot chocolate or tea! The event will end with an optional climb of the Bass River fire tower if weather permits.
Difficulty: Easy – 2 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age: All ages are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Service animals are welcome.
Registration: Registration is NOT required. Notice of cancellation will also be posted on the Bass River State Forest Facebook Page. Hikers should contact the Bass River office on 12/31 for inquires at (609) 296-1114. If the office is closed due to severe weather, hikers may call (609) 462-6228 for further information.

First-Day Nature Hike at Allaire State Park, 10AM – 12PM
Allaire State Park, meet at 4265 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale, NJ at the welcome sign in front of the first brown building with restrooms
This first-day hike follows several park trails and allows participants to view the pine and oak forests of central New Jersey in winter. The hike will pass along several water bodies and wetlands which may allow for wildlife sightings. After the hike, participants can stroll through the historic Allaire Village at their leisure.
Difficulty: Easy – 2 miles. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. Please bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you like.
Age: Children 10 and over, with a responsible adult are welcome)
Registration: Registration is not required. For more information, you can call Allaire State Park Office at 732-938-2371. Hike will be canceled for snow, ice, and rain.

Historic Batsto Village, 10AM – 11AM / 12PM – 1PM / 2PM – 3PM
Batsto Village Historic Site, Visitor Center, 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ
Join the fun New Year’s Day for a walk through Batsto Village! Tours will begin outside the Batsto Visitor Center, with planned stops at 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. Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome.Meet Behind the Visitor Center, Next to the Ore Boats.
Difficulty: Easy – 1 mile. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Registration: To register please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024. Hikes will be cancelled if icy or snowy conditions prevent the use of trails, high winds, thunderstorms, or if a state of emergency is declared.

New Years Day Climb, 10AM – 3:30PM
Twin Lights Historic Site – 2 Light House Road, Highlands, NJ
Ring in the new year with a hike up to the top of the North Tower! A sweeping vista awaits, along with museum exhibits for the visitor to enjoy.
Difficulty Easy- 64 steps
Age: All ages. Children must be accompanied by adults.
Registration: No registration is required. Hike to the tower will be cancelled due to inclement weather if precipitation is or has occurred. The museum and gift shop will remain open. Please call the site at 732-872-1814 for details.

First Day Hike in the Valley: Put your best foot forward to start 2023, 10AM – 12PM
Round Valley Recreation Area, 1220 Lebanon Stanton Road, Lebanon NJ, 08833 – South Parking Lot
After the party’s over: The ball has dropped over Times Square and Father Time has yielded the stage to a New Year. Resolve to step off into 2023 on an active, healthy start. Hike one of the trails and witness how nature begins the year. Service animals are welcome, as are friendly leashed dogs.
Difficulty: Easy – 2.5 miles. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Age: Children seven and over with a responsible adult are welcome.
Registration: Please call the park office at 908-236-6355, or e-mail RoundValley@dep.nj.gov to register. Hike will be cancelled if there are icy conditions or snow covered roads. For cancellations: until 12/29 call 908-236-6355, after that date call 908-963-0546.

Downtown Trenton Battle Monument Loop, 10AM – 11:30AM
D&R Canal State Park meet at Trenton Battle Monument – 348 North Warren Street, Trenton, NJ
Kick off the New Year with a hike along the D&R Canal and Greenway in Downtown Trenton! We will explore the history of the canal and consider the significance of this trail through modern-day Trenton. We will begin our hike at the Trenton Battle Monument, will continue along the D&R Canal until it connects with the D&R Greenway, and will then walk the D&R Greenway back to the Trenton Battle Monument for a 2-mile loop. The trail surface ranges from narrow dirt path to fine gravel to paved walkway and will require crossing several roads. Service animals only.
Difficulty: Easy – 2.1 miles
Age: Children ages 12 and up with an adult are welcome.
Registration: Registration is required. Please email Mackenzie.Piggott@dep.nj.gov and provide your name, the number of people you are registering, and the best way to reach you day-of if the hike needs to be cancelled due to weather. If you need to cancel your registration prior to 1/1, please email Mackenzie. If you need to cancel your registration day-of, please call Mackenzie at 609-322-9723.

First Day Education Walk, 10AM – 1PM
Belleplain State Forest Lake Nummy Recreation Area Parking Lot – 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ
Join State Park Naturalist Matthew Pelligrine on a leisurely hike along the East Creek Trail in Belleplain State Forest. Pausing along the way to point out all things Nature! Dogs on leashes are welcome!
Difficulty: Easy – 3 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age: Children ages 10 and over, with a responsible adult are welcome
Registration: Registration is preferred but not required (walk-ups welcome!) Contact Belleplain Office 609-861-2404 or email Megan Ritter for more information and about cancellations.

New Years Day Hike at White Oak Trail, 11AM – 12:30PM
D&R Canal State Park, Bulls Island Recreational Area | 2815 Daniel Bray Hwy, Stockton NJ
Is your New Year’s Resolution to be healthier and spend more time with family? If so, join the Watershed Ambassador, Charlie Coriell, for a 1.5 mile hike at Bulls Island Recreation Area at 11:00 a.m. All ages and abilities are welcome to attend and after the hike participants can celebrate together with a cup of hot chocolate at the Bulls Island Office. Dogs on a leash are welcome! Meet at Bulls Island Recreational Area Office across from the canal bridge.
Difficulty: Easy – 1.5 miles
Age: Children 8 and over are welcome on a hike with a responsible adults.
Registration: Registration is required, please email wma11.njwap@gmail.com. Cancelations will be sent via email.

Perrine Hill and Sutfin Farm Hiking Tour, 11AM – 1PM
Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitor Center – 20 Business Rte. 33, Manalapan, NJ
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 you enjoy the natural beauty while learning about the people and events of the Revolutionary War battle that took place here in June 1778. No restrooms along hike. Service animals only.
Difficulty: Easy – 2.5 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing
Age: Children age 10 and over with parent/guardian are welcome.
Registration: Registration is not required. For more information, please call the park office at 732-462-9616. The hike will be canceled if there’s snow, ice or rain. If the park office is closed, a cancellation notice will be posted on the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield Facebook page.

First of the Year Nature Walk at Parvin State Park, 11AM – 1PM
Parvin’s park office. 701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove NJ
Start 2023 off with a Reset and Recharge at Parvin State Park’s First of the Year Nature Walk. We will be walking our Green Trail starting at 11 AM. Pup’s on a leash are welcome to join us. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing.
Difficulty: Easy – 3 miles
Age: All ages are welcome
Registration: Registration is required. For more information and to register, call Parvin State Park Office (856)-358-8616. Will be cancelled for snow. Participants will receive a phone call if it gets canceled as well as posted on the park’s social media.

First Day Walk, 12PM
Pakim Pond in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. Mile Marker 1 highway Route 72 East, New Lisbon NJ
GPS Coordinates: 39.87967624452558, -74.53270789412915
Join the naturalists to start the new year off with a two-mile hike in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest! You will take a deeper look into the wildlife and history of Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.
Difficulty: Easy – 3 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age: Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult
Registration: Please register here. If the hike is canceled, the hike leader will email the participants who registered.

Princeton Nursery Lands First Day Hike, 12PM – 2PM
D&R Canal / Mapleton Preserve, meet at Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Office 145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ
Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands invites everyone to a First Day Hike in the Mapleton Preserve on Monday, January 1, 2023, 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 us for cocoa afterwards. Dress for the weather, whatever it is. The walk is free and all are welcome. For more information, visit www.fpnl.org
Difficulty: Easy – 1.5 miles
Age: Children accompanied by adults are welcome to join.
Registration: No registration needed. Visit the ww.fpnl.org website and/or call 609-683-0483 for cancellation information.

First Day Hike at Dr. James Still Office Historic Site,12PM
210 Medford- Mt. Holly Road, Medford, NJ
Come visit the Dr. James Still Historic Office Site and walk the nature trail. Listen and learn about Dr. James Still and his contributions to the area, take a moment to meditate in the reflection garden, spot some interesting bird species. No pressure to start early! Take it easy and enjoy a visit to the Education & Visitor Center when you are done.
Difficulty : Easy – 1.5 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing.
Age: No age requirement.
Registration: Register for free by emailing DrJamesStillCenter@gmail.com. Hike will be cancelled if there is heavy rain or snow or icy conditions.

Starting 2023 on the Right Foot, 12PM – 3PM
D&R Canal State Park Towpath Trail, Scenic Overlook (Access from Northbound Interstate-295, Hamilton Township, NJ
Begin 2023 on an active note by walking the D&R Canal’s most southern towpath. Nestled within the Abbott Marshlands, explore Crosswicks Creek and all that it has to offer. Dogs are permitted on leashes. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing.
Difficulty: Easy – 6-mile round trip.
Age: Children under 10 should be accompanied by adults.
Registration: Register at FirstDayHike.Eventbrite. Please email wma20.njwap@gmail.com for further questions.

First Day Hike, 1PM – 3:30PM
NJ Botanical Garden in Ringwood State Park, meet at Carriage House Visitor Center (Morris Road)
Start the New Year right with a self-guided family-friendly hike in the State Park woodlands at the NJ State Botanical Garden. You can climb to the Mt. Defiance overlook and return, or choose an alternate hike without a climb. This annual event is a joint project of State Park staff and volunteers from the NJBG/Skylands Association and the NY-NJ Trail Conference. Service animals only.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate – .5 – 2 miles. Please dress to be outdoors and wear sturdy footwear.
Age: Children 10 or older.
Registration: Registration is not required. For more information or about cancellations please email info@njbg.org.

The Third Annual First Day Hike at Tall Pines State Preserve, 1PM – 2:30PM
Tall Pines State Preserve parking lot. Bark Bridge Road and Indian Trail, Wenonah, NJ
GPS coordinates: 39.78101, -75.13946
The Friends of Tall Pines State Preserve invite you to join them and welcome in the New Year 2023 with the 3rd 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. We will also take the opportunity to familiarize the public with the Tall Pines Audio Trail, our new park benches and the pollinator garden. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Difficulty: Easy – 1.5 miles
Age: All ages are welcome
Registration: Registration is not required. People can RSVP the event on the social media app Meet Up but are not required to do so. Hike will be cancelled for inclement weather (heavy rains or snowstorm) makes driving or hiking impractical. Rain/snow date is Sunday, Jan.8 at 1:00 P.M.

First Day Hike at IBSP, 1:30PM – 3PM
Island Beach State Park, Swimming Area 1 – 2401 Central Ave., Seaside Park, NJ
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 mile out and back, but feel free to turn back at any time. Winter is a great time to experience the natural beauty of the IBSP! Bonfire and s’mores to follow, weather permitting.
Difficulty: Easy – 1 mile. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing
Age: All are welcome, including well-behaved dogs on leashes.
Registration: Registration is required and free, click here to register. Registered participants will receive an email if the program is canceled.

Historical Hike at Parvin, 2PM – 4PM
Thundergust Picnic Area parking lot 857 Parvin Mill Road, Pittsgrove, NJ
Start the New Year with some historical knowledge of the park. Join Robert B. Zuest, Park Historian and President of the Parvin State Park Appreciation Committee for a Winter walk to learn about the history of the park as it pertains to Thundergust Lake, Danna Field property and Thundergust Cabin Colony. Animals must be on a leash as required by law and all dog owners must clean up after their animal – LIMIT IS 8 dogs, first come first served.
Difficulty: Easy – 1.5 miles
Age: All ages are welcome
Registration: Registration is required. Email your name, contact information and number of people attending and if you are bringing a dog – parvinvolunteers@gmail.com. Each registrant will be contacted by email if there any updates or for a cancellation notice.

Old Dutch New Year, 2PM – 3:30PM
Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Parking Lot – 71 Somerset Street, Somerville, NJ
This afternoon walk follows Somerville’s Peters Brook Greenway and Main Street with stops for historical interpretation from Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage’s historian. We leave Washington’s Headquarters Flags at two stone markers recalling George Washington’s passage through the area in early January 1777 and return for a brief festive open house at Old Dutch Parsonage as the sun sets.
Difficulty: Easy 3 miles
Age: All ages.
Registration: Registration is required by clicking here. You can email here or call (908) 725-1015 for more information or questions. Participants will be emailed if cancelled.

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Moderate:

Sunrise Hike OR Sunset Hiketo Apple Pie Hill, 6AM – 8AM/3:15PM – 5:15PM
Wharton State Forest, Batona Trail access point on Burlington County Road 532, Woodland Township between mile markers 12 and 13.
This hike will begin shortly before sunrise/sunset and head to Apple Pie Hill where participants will be able to climb the fire tower and watch the sun rise over the pinelands on the first day of 2023. Participants will be required to hike with the group from 532 to the fire tower in order to climb it. Only service animals are permitted.
Difficulty : Moderate – 2.5 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age: Children 10 years and older, with an adult are welcome.
Registration: Registration is required. Please register by clicking here! Please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024 for further information.The hike will be cancelled if there are thunderstorms in the area or if heavy rain/snow is falling. Light rain/snow or clouds will not cancel the hikes. Registrants will be emailed.

Fighting Fires and Fueling Industry at Batsto Village, 9:30 – 11AM / 11:30AM – 1PM / 1:30 – 3PM
Batsto Village Historic Site, Visitor Center, 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ
On New Year’s Day explore the history of fires and fire prevention at Batsto Village. This guided hike will span from the Batsto Mansion to the Batsto Fire Tower, with historical interpretation focusing on both the industrial use and destructive power of fire in the Pinelands. This event will be offered three times, throughout the day. Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome. Meet Behind the Visitor Center, Next to the Ore Boats.
Difficulty: Moderate – 2 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age: All ages are welcome.
Registration :To register please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024. Hikes will be cancelled if icy or snowy conditions prevent the use of trails, high winds, thunderstorms, or if a state of emergency is declared.

First Day Dog Hike. 9:30AM – 12:30PM
Belleplain State Forest; Main Office Parking Lot- 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine NJ
Grab your dog and leash to join Megan and her Furry Friends for a hike through Belleplain’s Beautiful Forest. Megan started the first-day of dog hikes 5 years ago and is continuing the tradition to ring in 2023! She will take you on a few different trail systems to highlight the diverse forest landscape of Cape May County. Afterward, enjoy tea, hot cocoa, and homemade treats (and homemade treats for the dogs as well!) around a campfire at the office! Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing.
Difficulty: Moderate – 5.5-6 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age: Children ages 10 and over, with a responsible adult are welcome
Registration: Registration is preferred but not required (walk ups welcome!) Contact Belleplain Office 609-861-2404 or email Megan Ritter for more information and about cancellations.

Whispering Pine Hike, 10AM – 1:30PM
Wharton State Forest, Whispering Pines parking lot – located at the intersection of Burlington County Road 532 and Patty Bowker Road, Tabernacle Township, NJ
You’ll make a loop around Whispering Pines following the Atlantic White Cedar and Whispering Pines Trails. Hike through pine-oak forests, Atlantic white cedar swamps and visit the old cranberry bogs. Only service animals are permitted.
Difficulty: Moderate – 5 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age: Children 10 years and older, with an adult are welcome.
Registration: Registration is required. Please register by clicking here! Please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024 for further information.The hike will be cancelled if there are thunderstorms in the area or if heavy rain/snow is falling. Light rain/snow or clouds will not cancel the hikes. Registrants will be emailed.

Red Dot Trail at Wawayanda State Park, 10AM – 12PM
Wawayanda Lake Parking Lot – 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ
Why not begin this New Year with a Brisk winter Hike while enjoying the company of people with similar interests? Join this great winter hike in the Wawayanda Highlands where we will visit Beaver Dam, cross over some beautiful wetlands, and enjoy all that the winter woodlands have to offer. Well-behaved dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
Difficulty: Moderate – 5 miles. Please dress to be outdoors and wear sturdy footwear.
Age: Children 10 or older.
Registration: Registration is helpful but not required. You may call the Wawayanda park office at (973)-853-4462. The hike will be canceled for heavy rain.

The Resilient Pine Barrens Guided Walk, 11AM – 12:30PM and 2PM – 3:30PM
Batsto Village in Wharton State Forest, 31 Batsto Road Hammonton, NJ. Meet in front of the Batsto Visitor Center.
Looking for some inspiration to tackle 2023? Join Wharton State Forest staff on a 2-mile, guided interpretive walk and learn about some of the resilient species in the Pinelands National Reserve. Topics include American eels, beavers, and carnivorous plants! Service animals are welcome.
Difficulty: Moderate – 2 miles. Wear sturdy footgear & weather-appropriate clothing. Bring water and snacks.
Age: Children 10 years and older, with an adult are welcome.
Registration: To register please call the Batsto Visitor Center at 609-561-0024. For more information you may email ally.horan@dep.nj.gov. Cancellations will be posted on the “Wharton State Forest” Facebook page. In the event of cancellation, every effort will be made to call those registered.

Explore Historic Mid-Town Elizabeth NJ, 1PM – 3PM
Boxwood Hall Historic Site, meet at First Presbyterian Church, Broad St., Elizabeth, NJ
Explore 300+ years of history in Elizabeth, NJ—the oldest English settlement in the State and still developing! Service animals only. The group size is STRICTLY limited to 25 participants.
Difficulty: Moderate – 1.5 miles. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
Age: Not really suitable for children under 5. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration: Registration is required. Call: 908-282-7617 or e-mail boxwood73@aol.com. The hike will be canceled for severe snow or rainstorm (regular rain will not cause cancellation).

2023 First Day Hike at Cheesequake State Park, 1PM
Cheesequake State Park; Cheesequake State Park Nature Center, 300 Gordon Road Old Bridge NJ
Begin the new year with a Naturalist-led guided hike at Cheesequake State Park. During the hike, participants will learn about the history and environmental highlights of the Park. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Difficulty: Moderate – 2 miles. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
Age: Ages 8 and up
Registration: Registration is NOT required. For more information, call 732-566-3208. Hike will be cancelled if road or trail conditions are hazardous. Call Nature Center on Saturday Dec. 31st or after 10 AM day of event at 732-566-3208.

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Difficult:

Warren-Highlands Trail Full-Day Hike, 8AM – 4:30PM
Warren-Highlands Trail/Spruce Run Recreation Area, Marble Hill Natural Resource Area River Road Parking Lot, Lopatcong NJ | Navigate to 40.709468, -75.191616 | Closest Navigable Address – 1099 River Rd, Phillipsburg, NJ
Kick off the New Year for a point-to-point, 15-mile full-day hike along the Warren Highlands Trail! The route includes lovely pastoral views along Harmony Ridge, historic logging roads, and passes by historic farmsteads. Experience beautiful views and visit the former iron mines of Marble Hill! This hike will also feature recent trail improvements including a slight reroute completed by the State Park Service in conjunction with the Phillipsburg NJ Youth Corps. As this hike is considered strenuous and for experienced hikers, a shorter option for the hike is available. Please coordinate with Mike Helbing at the start and spot cars will be set up at the early-out point at approx. 6 miles. Dogs on a leash are welcome.
Difficulty: Difficult – 15 miles with a 6-mile early-out point. Please dress to be outdoors and wear sturdy footwear.
Age: Children 12 and over, with a responsible adult welcome.
Registration: Registration is required. Please email your name, phone number, email address, and a number of people in your group to sprucerun@dep.nj.gov. In the event of a cancellation, emails notifying registered participants will be sent.

High Point First Day Challenge Hike, 10AM
Appalachian Trail parking lot – Route 23, Montague, NJ
Join the Sixth Annual High Point “First Day Challenge” Hike at High Point State Park. 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. Maximum elevation =1600 ft Minimum elevation =1300 ft. Members of NJ Search and Rescue will be along to assist.
Difficulty: Difficult to Strenuous – 6 miles. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, depending on conditions snowshoes or foot traction may be appropriate. Bring snacks, water, a bagged lunch, binoculars, and a 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. Dogs on leashes (max 6’).
Age: Children ages 12 and up with an adult are welcome.
Registration: Registration is required. Please contact hike leader John Rovetto at 973-903-3496 / johnrovetto@gmail.com. Canceled if there is steady rain, heavy snow, or icy conditions. Please contact the park office prior to 1/1 at (973)-875-4800. Please follow the High Point State Park Facebook page.

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Filled to Capacity – Keep an eye out for 2024!!
– First Day Hike To Caven Point. Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ
– Discover Double Trouble First Day Jaunt at Double Trouble State Park