The new year always seems like a time to start fresh, set some new goals, and get active. And what better way to celebrate the new year than with a brisk hike on a nearby trail? First Day Hikes were designed as a national movement started by the National Association of State Park Directors to inspire people to reconnect with their state parks and get outside.
Delmarva is no exception to this national movement. There are ranger-led hikes happening all over the region listed below, but if you’d like to do a self-guided hike, be sure to search our trail database or use the interactive trail map to discover a new spot!
Delaware
Killens Pond State Park
Felton, Delaware
1 p.m.
Meet at Pavilion 1 at the Sports Complex Area. We will be hiking a 1.5 mile portion of the Cross Country Trail. Dogs on leash welcome!
Cape Henlopen State Park
Lewes, Delaware
9:30 a.m.
Take in the scenic beauty of the Point and walk around the Point on this recreational hike. For ages 5 and older with an adult. No pets. Parking is limited so please carpool.
Cape Henlopen State Park: Fort Miles
Lewes, Delaware
10 a.m.
Start the New Year off right with a history hike! Join our guided hike to learn more about some of the farther-flung elements of Fort Miles. For ages 7 and older with an adult.
Holts Landing State Park
Dagsboro, Delaware
Walk the Sea Hawk Trail, 1.3-mile trail meanders through hardwood forest, meadow, salt marsh, and freshwater bog habitats. Meet in the parking lot.
Learn more about the First Day Hikes in Delaware here.
Maryland
Martinak State Park
Denton, Maryland
2:30 p.m.
137 Deep Shore Road, Denton, MD
Stroll along the 1-mile paved trail, take the opportunity to try the animal fitness stations, or look for different bird species, a great trail for the whole family to start the year off on the right foot!
Tuckahoe State Park
Queen Anne, Maryland
10 a.m.
13187 Crouse Mill Road, Queen Anne, MD 21657
Calling all Junior Rangers, Park Pals, and Sprouts! Let's start the year off on the right foot, outside! We will play trail games, learn trail songs! Trail is not stroller friendly.
Harriet Tubman UGRR State Park
Church Creek, Maryland
10 a.m.
4068 Golden Hill Road Church Creek, MD
Join Park Rangers at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center to begin a flat and paved hike into the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on their Wildlife Drive. Walk along the Blackwater River and immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape that helped shape Harriet Tubman. All are welcome, but pets are prohibited.
Janes Island State Park & Irish Grove
Crisfield, Maryland
10 a.m.
26280 Alfred J. Lawson Dr. Crisfield, MD 21817
Join Janes Island State Park Rangers and volunteers for a flat, two mile hike that will teach you the basics of birding. This hike will take place at Irish Grove, an approximately 2,300 acre nature preserve on the Pocomoke Sound that is owned by the Maryland Ornithological Society. We will meet in the Camper Check-In Parking Lot at Janes Island and then caravan to Irish Grove. (Approximately a 10-minute drive away)
Janes Island State Park
Crisfield, Maryland
4 p.m.
26280 Alfred J. Lawson Dr. Crisfield, MD 21817
Join Janes Island Park staff for a guided family friendly hike through our whitetail trail that ends along the Daugherty Creek canal for a Janes Island sunset. This is a flat, forested trail that can be muddy at times depending on weather.
Assateague State Park
Berlin, Maryland
10 or 11 a.m.
Join Assateague staff at 10 or 11 am for a guided family friendly beach walk, meet at the Assateague State Park Day Use Boardwalk. Learn about the history of Assateague Island as you explore the beach, identify seashells, shorebirds, and more as you stroll along the Atlantic Ocean. Dress for the weather, it is often 10-15 degrees colder along the water! Stop by the Day-Use boardwalk for a fireside chat with park staff, share stories, ask questions and make a connection. Hot chocolate will be provided by Assateague Coastal Trust. State Park Staff will be available 10am-12pm at the Day-Use Boardwalk.
Learn more about Maryland State Parks First Day Hikes here.
Virginia
Kiptopeke State Park
Cape Charles, Virginia
Anytime (self-guided)
Ring in the New Year with a self-guided hike at Kiptopeke. This scavenger hunt will take you all over the park and show you spots you never knew existed. Copies of the Kiptopeke Scavenger Hunt will be available at the brochure holders at the contact station, park office and trail head. You can also download and print it yourself.
Learn more about the First Day Hikes in Virginia here.