NJIB’s Guide to the New Jersey First Day Hike on January 1, 2026

Start 2026 with adventure as New Jersey State Parks welcomes the public to free, guided First Day Hikes at state parks, forests, and historic sites across the Garden State.

Participants can enjoy guided hikes, nature walks, and even a lighthouse climb, offering a perfect way to get outdoors, stay active, and explore local history with family and friends.

A full list of First Day Hike events in New Jersey on January 1, 2026, is provided below.

North Jersey:

Sunrise Hike to Caven Point
6:30 am – 8:30 am
Kick off the new year with a free Sunrise Hike to Caven Point at Liberty State Park, where participants can enjoy a 6:30–8:30 a.m. guided walk featuring a Birding 101 experience and a wildlife habitat tour of the Hudson River Estuary, with binoculars provided for spotting birds and other wildlife along the way.
Liberty State Park – Lot #1, 300 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ

Wawayanda Lake Loop Hike
10 am – 1 pm
Kick off the New Year with a slow to moderate paced hike around Lake Wawayanda. Distance is approximately 5.5 miles with breaks along the way. Starting time is 10:00am. Please wear proper footwear and attire, bring snacks and water. Email wawayandacamping@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Wawayanda State Park, 885 Warwick Turnpike, Hewitt, NJ

First Day Hike to Caven Point
10 am – 1 pm
Join a free, 3-mile leisurely hike to Caven Point Beach to explore the urban and natural shoreline of Upper NY Bay, with views of the Statue of Liberty and NYC skyline, plus art installations by Camp Liberty. Check in at the Park Office, 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City. Free parking in Lot #4. Service animals only. Must register in advance.
Liberty State Park, 200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ

41st Annual New Year’s Day Group Hike
10 am – 1:30 pm
Join the Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee (PVTC) at 10:00AM on Thursday January 1, 2026 for their 41st 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 length of the hike will be 4 miles. The trail is cinder-based which provides easy, level walking. Bring a drink. Children are welcome accompanied by an adult. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Kittatinny Valley State Park, 1 Footbridge Lane, Blairstown, NJ

High Point First Day Challenge Hike
10 am – 2:30 pm
The first half of this six-mile strenuous hike is on the rugged Appalachian Trail in scenic High Point State Park. The return will be on the easier Iris Trail. Dogs on leashes and children ages 12 and up with an adult are welcome. Depending on conditions, snowshoes or foot traction may be appropriate. Bring snacks, water, bagged lunch, binoculars and camera. The hike will be guided by the Trail conference of NY/NJ HP Trail supervisor and John Rovetto and members of New Jersey Search and Rescue. Also, fellow volunteer outdoor responders may participate. Contact John Rovetto at johnrovetto@gmail.com or 973-903-3496.
High Point State Park, 1480 State Route 23, Wantage, NJ

First Day Hike at the NJ State Botanical Garden
1 pm – 3:30 pm
Kick off the New Year with a free, self-guided, family-friendly hike at the NJ State Botanical Garden. Pick up a map at the Carriage House Visitor Center between 1–2 p.m. and explore the woodlands, with the option to climb to the Mt. Defiance overlook or take an easier route. Allow about 90 minutes. Dress for the weather; small children may need to be carried. Event canceled for snow or extreme cold.
NJ State Botanical Garden – Ringwood State Park, 5 Morris Rd, Ringwood, NJ

Central Jersey/Jersey Shore:

Be the First to Hike Allaire
10 am – 11:30 am
Participants will hike 3.5 miles past the Allaire Village and Pine Creek Railroad, across wetland boardwalks, along ponds and streams, and through pine and oak forests in one of central NJ’s most beloved state parks. Opportunities will arise to view wildlife in their winter habitat, enjoy winter scenery, and treasure historic landscape views.
Allaire State Park, 4265 Atlantic Ave, Farmingdale, NJ

Revolution to Recreation
10 am – 12 pm
Celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with a guided First Day Hike along the CCC Trail at Bass River State Forest, honoring the Civilian Conservation Corps’ legacy. Hike is weather dependent—dress for the outdoors and bring water. Service animals only. To register, please call (609) 296-1114 or email josephine.vuolo@dep.nj.gov
Bass River State Forest, 762 Stage Rd, Bass River Twp, NJ

Washington Crossing First Day Hike
10 am – 12 pm
Join park staff on a two mile hike on the trails of Washington Crossing State Park to start the year. There will be two hike leaders guide you on different sections of the park at a moderate pace. Afterward, there will be activities inside and outside the Washington Crossing Nature Center. No registration required. Service Animals Only.
Washington Crossing Nature Center, 355 Washington Crossing – Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ

Round Valley’s Green, White, & Blue Hike
10 am – 12:30 pm
Go green for the New Year and begin celebrating the USA’s 250th anniversary by resolving to adventure more. Start off on the right foot by joining park naturalists for a 2.50 mile guided hike on our Green, White, and Blue trails! Dress for the winter weather. Bring backpack carriers for small children due to occasional rocky terrain and moderate hills; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Friendly pets on leash are welcome. Register in advance.
Round Valley Recreation Area, 1220 Stanton-Lebanon Rd, Lebanon, NJ

New Jersey State Forest Tree Nursery
11 am – 12 pm
Explore the FREC grounds and New Jersey Tree Nursery on a free, easy 1.5-mile walk along sandy roads. Dress for the weather—event canceled only for rain or blizzards. Meet inside the Forest Resource Education Center before 11 a.m. Registration is required on Eventbrite (max 40 participants). Service animals only.
NJDEP-Forest Resource Education Center, 495 Don Connor Blvd, Jackson, NJ

Perrine Hill: Where Molly Pitcher Fought
11 am – 1 pm
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 the hiker enjoy the natural beauty while learning about the people and events of the Revolutionary War battle that took place on June 28, 1778. Service Animals Only.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park, 20 State Route 33, Manalapan, NJ

Cheesequake Celebrates 250 Hike
11 am – 1:30 pm
Kick off the New Year with a first day hike in Cheesequake State Park! This hike will be about 3 miles going over easy, flat terrain. Please dress for cold weather. It is recommended to bring water and binoculars. Register in advance.
Cheesequake State Park, 300 Gordon Rd, Matawan, NJ

Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal State Park
12 pm – 2 pm
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 and the adjacent D&R Canal State Park. It begins and ends at the Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal State Park Headquarters at 145 Mapleton Road in Kingston. Dress for the weather, whatever it is. All are welcome. Cocoa and conversation after the walk.
D&R Canal State Park, 145 Mapleton Rd, Kingston, NJ

250 Steps for the 250th!
1 pm
Celebrate the New Year by climbing the Twin Lights towers! Visitors can climb both towers in the afternoon, and climbing both twice adds up to 250 steps in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Contact Nicholas.Wood@dep.nj.gov for details.
Twin Lights Historic Site, 2 Light House Rd, Highlands, NJ

New Year’s Day Beach Walk
1 pm – 2 pm
Enjoy a 1.5-mile roundtrip group walk along the beach at IBSP this winter—turn back anytime. After the walk, stick around for a bonfire and s’mores, weather permitting. Unguided, family-friendly fun.
Island Beach State Park, 2401 Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ

Lambertville Loop First Day Hike At D&R Canal State Park
1 pm – 3 pm
Celebrate the New Year with a free, easy 3-mile Lambertville Loop First Day Hike along the D&R Canal, starting at 1:00 p.m. from the parking lot off Route 29 next to the Holcombe Jimison Farm Museum. The hike will pass Lambertville’s historic downtown, the canal’s lift and outlet locks, and return—lasting about 2½ hours. Dress for the weather and wear hiking shoes. No registration required. The hike will be canceled in inclement weather; updates will be posted on the D&R Canal State Park website.
D&R Canal State Park Parking Lot / Holcombe Jimison Farm, 1605 Daniel Bray Hwy, Lambertville, NJ

Exploring 250 Years of Trenton’s Extraordinary History
1 pm – 3 pm
Step back 250 years of Trenton history on a free, guided 3.5-mile hike with Trenton Walks! and NJDEP’s State Trails Coordinator. Starting at the Trenton Battle Monument, the route follows D&R Canal State Park to Cadwalader Park and back, combining city streets and stone-dust trails. Limited to 35 participants—register via Trails@dep.nj.gov. Weather may cancel.
Trenton Battle Monument, 348 North Warren St, Trenton, NJ

Hope Farm Hogmanay Hike
2 pm – 3:30 pm
Hike the historic bounds of “Hope Farm” for Hogmanay, the Scots celebration of the New Year, and learn about the Wallace House’s 250th Birthday along the way. Scottish emigrant and Philadelphia merchant John Wallace built the Wallace House at Hope Farm 250 years ago, and today the Wallace House is under construction again for historic preservation ahead of the 250th anniversary of George Washington’s Headquarters at the Wallace House in the Revolutionary War.
Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Sites, 71 Somerset St, Somerville, NJ

South Jersey:

Sunrise First Day Hike to Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower and Tower Climb
6 am – 8 am
Join a free, guided 2.5-mile hike to Apple Pie Hill in the Pine Barrens and climb the fire tower for breathtaking views. Hike begins at 6 a.m. and ends around 8 a.m. Participants must be 10+ and hike with the group. Bring water, snacks, and wear sturdy shoes—no pets allowed. Due to high demand, spots are filled by a drawing on December 31; winners will be notified by email. Service animals only. Weather may cancel.
Wharton State Forest, 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ

First Day Beach Dog Hike
9:30 am – 11:30 am
Join Megan and her dogs on a New Years Day Hike at Corson’s Inlet State Park. This hike will be approximately 2.5-3.5 miles long depending on tides. Dogs must be leashed at all times. This is moderately paced hike with a few stops along the way to ensure the group is all together. Weather Permitting. Rain will cancel, Snow will not. Email Megan.Ritter@dep.nj.gov for more information.
Corson’s Inlet State Park, Bay Ave, County Hwy 619, Ocean City, NJ

Revolutionary Batsto Village Tour
10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm
Start 2026 with a free, guided New Year’s Day walk through historic Batsto Village! These all-ages tours begin behind the Batsto Visitor Center, with planned stops throughout the village. Sharing stories from Batsto’s iron era to the present, interpreters will lead visitors through the various ways in which Batsto participated in the American Revolution, Industrial Revolution, and more. Tours are approximately 75-90 minutes and begin promptly at 10AM, 12PM, and 2PM. Reservations are not required, and tours are free and open to the public.
Batsto Village Historic Site, 31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ

Parvin Sampler Plate
10 am – 11:30 am
Explore more of Parvin Lake beyond the popular green trail on a free, guided 2.5-mile hike sampling all seven of the park’s trails. Hikers will enjoy a moderate-paced walk over mostly flat terrain, starting at 10 a.m. from the Thundergust Lake picnic area. Service animals only.
Parvin State Park, 857 Parvin Mill Rd, Pittsgrove, NJ

Thursday Trails~1st Day Hike Edition
10 am – 12 pm
Meet at the Belleplain State Forest Park office and join Gina for a 4 mile hike. This will be a moderately paced hike on various trails. Please dress appropriately. Call the Belleplain State Forest Park Office at 609-861-2404.
Belleplain State Forest, 1 Henkinsifkin Rd, Woodbine, NJ

First Day Nature Hike
10 am – 1 pm
Meet at the Belleplain State Forest for a 3-mile guided nature walk through the woods. Tour takes approximately 3 hours due to Pine Barrens facts & lore as well as some tree identification. Call the Belleplain State Forest Park Office at (609) 861-2404 for more information.
Belleplain State Forest, 1 Henkinsifkin Rd, Woodbine, NJ

250 Years of History in the Pines
10 am – 2:30 pm
Join at Brendan T. Byrne State Forest for a 6-mile hike down the Cranberry Trail. The hike will showcase a variety of beautiful Pine Barrens scenery, including cedar swamps and Pakim Pond.
Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, 103 Shinns Rd, Vincetown, NJ

Carranza Monument to Apple Pie Hill First Day Hike and Tower Climb
10 am – 3 pm
Take the scenic route to Apple Pie Hill on a free, guided 8-mile roundtrip hike along the Batona Trail, departing the Carranza Monument (GPS: 39.777398, -74.632338) at 10 a.m. Hikers will enjoy a lunch break and fire tower climb around noon before returning, with the hike ending around 3 p.m. Participants must be 10+, wear appropriate gear, and bring water, snacks, and bug spray. Pets are not allowed; service animals only. Restrooms are available at Carranza. Hike may be canceled in storms or rain/snow. Due to high demand, participants will be selected via a drawing on December 31, with winners notified by email.
Wharton State Forest – Carranza Memorial, Carranza Rd, Tabernacle, NJ

Dr. James Still Historic Hike
12 pm – 2 pm
Join volunteers from the Dr. James Still Historic Hike for a 1 to 1.5 mile easy hike through wooded and meadow areas. Email drjamesstillcenter@gmail.com for more information.
Dr. James Still Office Historic Site, 210 Medford – Mount Holly Rd, Medford, NJ

6th Annual First Day Hike at Tall Pines
1 pm – 2:30 pm
Ring in 2026 with the 6th annual First Day Tall Pines Hike! Join the Friends of Tall Pines State Preserve for a leisurely 1.5-mile walk through winter trails, spotting active birdlife, followed by light refreshments. Rain/snow date: Jan. 3; updates on the Preserve’s website.
Tall Pines State Preserve, 1705 Glassboro Rd, Sewell, NJ