New Jersey State Parks Celebrate the New Year

with First Day Hikes across the state on January 1, 2020





The New Jersey State Park Service is hosting 29 hikes, 1 mountain bike ride and 1 horseback ride 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.

For all hikes and rides, wear sturdy footgear and bring water and snacks. Check the weather before you leave the house and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Layers are best for exercising in colder temperatures.

See the list below and join us – and thousands of other people throughout the country - for a great way to welcome the New Year!

Please check our Facebook Page for up to date information

BARNEGAT LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK Barnegat Light

Birding at Barnegat

Barnegat Lighthouse

10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

A hike led by Greg Prelich and Jeanine Apgar to look for winter birds along the jetty at Barnegat Light State Park.There are many winter ducks, scoters and sandpipers at this time of year, and we will try to get good looks at them through a scope.

Hike Info

Easy~ 2 miles

Please bring binoculars if you have them and all ages are welcome. Please no pets, they can disturb the waterfowl.



Meeting Location: Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

208 Broadway, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006

Registration and Cancellation

Registration is required by emailing Greg Prelich at gprelich@gmail.com. If event is cancelled, registered participants will receive a call.

BASS RIVER STATE FOREST Stafford Twp.

Little Pine Plains Hike

Bass River State Forest

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Join us for a hike in the Warren Grove Recreation Area 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 views of the surrounding area.

Hike Info

Easy-moderate ~ 5 miles

Children 10 years and older with responsible adult, welcome. Service animals only.

No restrooms or drinking water available.

Meeting Location: Bass River State Forest

N39° 45.201' W74° 23.270'. Meet at the intersection of Beaver Dam and Radio Tower Roads. There is no street address for this location. 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.

Registration & Cancellation

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.

Cancelled if severe weather. To check, please call 609.462.6228 the day of the hike.

BELLEPLAIN STATE FOREST Woodbine

1st Day East Creek Trail Hike

Belleplain State Forest

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join us for a 3.5 mile hike on the East Creek Trail. The hike will cover half the distance of the trail. Please dress for the weather and bring water. Dogs are welcome!



Hike info

Moderate ~ 3.5 miles.

No age restrictions. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Meeting Location: Belleplain Forest Office

1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ 08270

Registration & Cancellation

Registration is NOT required. For more information, call (609)861-2404

Cancelled if extremely bad weather. Call (609)374-0094 on 1/1 for info.

BOXWOOD HALL HISTORIC SITE Elizabeth

Explore Historic Mid-Town Elizabeth, NJ

Boxwood Hall Historic Site

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Walk through Mid-Town Elizabeth, NJ—where NJ began! See how it has grown & changed over the past 355 years. Tour includes interiors of First Presbyterian Church (founded 1664) & Boxwood Hall (where Washington was entertained) & the historic cemetery of First Pres. You won’t believe all the famous names you connected with the City.

Hike Info

Easy~ 1.5 miles

Children 10 years and older with responsible adult, welcome. Service animals only.

Restrooms available at the beginning and end of the walk.

Meeting Location: First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth

42 Broad St., Elizabeth, NJ (next to Union County Courthouse)

Registration & Cancellation

Registration is required by calling 908-282-7617 OR e-mail: Katherine.Craig@dep.nj.gov with “First Day Hike” in subject line.

If severe weather predicted, registrants will be notified by telephone or e-mail. If in doubt, telephone 908-282-7617 (there will be an outgoing message).

BRENDAN T. BYRNE AND NJCF MICHAEL HUBER PRESERVE Woodland

Blue by You

10:00 a.m.

An enjoyable start to the new year begins with an introduction to the NJCF Michael Huber Preserve on Sooy Place Rd for a 2-mile hike through a variety of habitats. A good chance to see some winter birding and tree identification along the floodplain of the Burrs Mill Brook. Follow that with a short 5+ mile drive to Pakim Pond Picnic Pavilion where you may finish your morning with a group lunch and a chance to relax…..AND/OR add a second short hike to your day with a stroll around the pond, camera in hand to document the birds, plants and beautiful scenery that you will witness at this location.

Hike Info

Easy~ 2 miles

Hike appropriate for ages 10 and up, children must be accompanied by an adult. Well behaved, leashed dogs are also welcome. Bring a snack or lunch to enjoy with the group. Restrooms available at Pakim Pond Site.

Meeting Location: NJCF Michael Huber Preserve

Sooy Place Road, across from Johnson Place Road, Woodland Township. Park along the wide road edge. We will meet at the Kiosk.

Registration and Cancellation

Registration is required by contacting Terry Schmidt @ 609-412-3394 (lv message if no answer). In cases of inclement weather a final decision will be made by 3 PM on 12/31. If you have registered, you will be notified of cancellation.

CHEESEQUAKE STATE PARK Old Bridge

First Day Hike

Cheesequake State Park

1:00 p.m. – 3p.m.

Join us for a guided hike on the trails of Cheesequake to celebrate the New Year.



Hike Info

Moderate ~ 2 miles

Dogs on leash are welcome.

Meeting Location: Cheesequake State Park Nature Center

300 Gordon Rd, Matawan, NJ 07747



Registration & Cancellation

Registration is NOT required. For more information, call (732)566-3208

Cancelled if snow or ice on the trails. To check, call (732)566-3208 after 8 a.m. on 1/1

DELAWARE AND RARITAN CANAL STATE PARK South Brunswick

Princeton Nursery Lands First Day Hike

D&R Canal/ Mapleton Preserve

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands invites everyone to a First Day Hike in the Mapleton Preserve on Monday, January 1, 2020, 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 as we get closer to the New Year.

Hike Info:

Easy ~ 1.5 miles

Children accompanied by adults are welcome to join.

Meeting Location: Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Office

145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ

Registration and Cancellation

No registration needed and visit the www.fpnl.org website and/or call 609-683-0483 for cancellation information.

DOUBLE TROUBLE STATE PARK Bayville

Discover Double Trouble First Day Jaunt

Double Trouble State Park

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Join us New Year’s Day for leisurely jaunt along the Mill Pond Trail and the picturesque clear waters of Cedar Creek. We’ll finish our morning with a guided tour of Double Trouble Village including inside a century-old sawmill and cranberry packing house.

Hike Info:

Easy ~ 1.5 miles

Children over 10 welcome with responsible adult

Meeting Location: Double Trouble State Park

Double Trouble Village display room. 581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721 (for GPS, use intersection Double Trouble Road and Pinewald Keswick Road)

Registration and Cancellation

No registration is required. If hike is cancelled, it will be posted on event listing at www.FB.com/DoubleTroubleStatePark and on the phone message at 732-341-4098 by 7:00 am January 1,2020.

FOREST RESOURCE EDUCATION CENTER Jackson

First Day at FREC

Forest Resource Education Center

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Join us for an easy 1 hour, 1 mile walk of the NJ State Tree Farm in Jackson, New Jersey. We will explore some trails ,view the tree farm and see our NJ Tree Seed Bank followed by a visit to the Education Center for Hot Chocolate.

Hike Info

Easy ~ 1 mile

Dogs on leash are welcome

Meeting Location: Forest Resource Education Center

495 Don Conner Blvd, Jackson, NJ 08527

Registration & Cancellation

Registration is required by calling (732)928-0987. Registered participants will be contacted by hike leader the morning of the hike if cancelled.



HIGH POINT STATE PARK Sussex

High Point “First Day Challenge” Hike

High Point State Park

10:00 a.m.

Come and join us for our Third 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. Maximum elevation =1600 ft Minimum elevation =1300 ft. Members of NJ Search and Rescue will be along to assist.

Hike Info

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.

Meeting Location: Appalachian Trail parking lot

Route 23, Montague, NJ (just south of High Point State Park Office, 1480 Route 23).

Registration & Cancellation

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

Cancelled if there is steady rain, heavy snow or icy conditions. Please contact the park office prior to 1/1 at 973-903-3496, on 1/1/20 please follow the High Point State Park Facebook page.

ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK Berkeley

New Year’s Day Beach Hike

Island Beach State Park

2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

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 anytime. Winter is a great time to experience the natural beauty of the IBSP! Bonfire and smores to follow, weather permitting.

Hike Info

Easy ~ 2 miles

All are welcome, including well behaved dogs on leashes.

Only a porta-potty will be available.

Meeting Location: Island Beach State Park, 2207 SW Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ 08752, Pavilion at Swimming Area 1

Registration & Cancellation:

Please register at:

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=zbuejiuab&oeidk=a07egqnqil8b40dbfea. Registered participants will receive an email if the program is cancelled.

KITTATINNY VALLEY STATE PARK (On Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail) Blairstown

Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail Committee 35nd Annual New Year’s Day Hike

Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail (extension of Kittatinny Valley State Park)

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday January 1, 2020 – 35th Annual New Year’s Day Hike. 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.

Hike Info

Moderate ~ 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.

Meeting Location: WE WILL LEAVE FROM FOOTBRIDGE PARK

1 Footbridge Lane, Blairstown, NJ 07825. GPS Coordinates: 40.981345, -74.957191

Directions: Route 94, Blairstown, NJ. Take Route 80 to Exit 12, Route 521. Go north on Route 521 for 5 miles to Route 94 in Blairstown. Turn left onto Route 94 and take the second left into the park (Look for a small white sign with black lettering)

Registration & Cancellation

Registration is NOT required. For more information, please email pbk123@aol.com. Cancelled if deep snow, heavy rain, or heavy snowstorm. To check, call (908)930-9745 the evening before the hike.

KITTATINNY VALLEY STATE PARK Andover

Wednesday Walkers Welcome in the “Roaring ‘20s”

Kittatinny Valley State Park

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Calling all flappers, gangsters, and good old-fashioned fun-seekers to start the new decade off right with a brisk 2.5-mile walk in the park to stretch your legs and soak in the winter scenery with friends. Complimentary coffee, tea, and light refreshments served afterwards.

Hike Info

Easy~2.5 miles

Hike is appropriate for adults and pets are permitted on leash

Meeting Location: The Kittatinny Valley State Park Visitor Center

Located 1 mile north of Route 206 off Goodale Rd. Turn right into the park at the entrance sign and follow the driveway to the rear parking area.

Registration and Cancellation:

No Registration is required. In the event of inclement weather, participants are urged to call (973) 786-6445 to find out if the walk has been cancelled. The State Park Service will make every effort to post cancellations on our website and Facebook page.

KITTATINNY VALLEY STATE PARK (On Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail) Newtown

First Day Horseback Ride Paulinskill Valley Rail Trails (extension of Kittatinny Valley State Park)

11:00 or 1:00 starting times (or come on your own). If you are running late call/text Carolyn at 845-6678-2015

Horse rig parking is available near the trail at the Creamery Commercial Complex, Universal Supplies 45 US Route 206, Augusta and also at the Clearance center at Yetters Diner, 89 US Route 206, Augusta. Please contact Carolyn at cmoran789@gmail.com for further information. All riders are invited to gather at Yetters Diner for lunch to meet other riders and discuss upcoming clinic and activities for 2020.

Horseback Ride info

Easy ~ 3miles (depending on weather)

Bring your own horse! Children 10 years and older with a riding adult welcome. Riding helmets are required. Bring along water and snacks.

Meeting Location: Horse rig parking is available near the trail at the Creamery Commercial Complex, Universal Supplies 45 US Route 206, Augusta. Please do not park by front buildings only at the Universal Supplies.

Parking is also available at the Clearance Center at Yetters Diner, 89 US Route 206, Augusta as a second option.

Registration & Cancellation

Registration is recommended.

To register and/or for more information, call, text or email Carolyn at (845)667-2015 or cmoran789@gmail.com

Cancelled if weather conditions are not safe for riding. Contact Carolyn at (845)667-2015

LIBERTY STATE PARK Jersey City

First Day Hike to Caven Point Beach

Liberty State Park

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Please join us 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.

Hike Info

Easy to Moderate ~ 3 miles

All ages are welcome as are dogs on 6 ft leashes with responsible adults

Meeting Location:US Flag Plaza / Liberty Park Office

200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305

Registration & Cancellation

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.

Cancelled if icy/snowy weather, Check the Liberty State Park Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LibertyStateParkOfficial/. We will also email people the night before it is necessary to cancel.

MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK Manalapan

Follow the Footsteps of Molly Pitcher

Monmouth Battlefield State Park

11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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.

Hike Info

Moderate ~ 2 miles. (Slow pace, with historical interpretation. Over open fields with uneven surfaces.)

Children age 10 and over with parent/guardian are welcome. Service animals only. No restrooms along hike.

Meeting Location: Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitor Center

20 Business Rte. 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726 (About 2 miles west of Freehold Raceway Mall, Route 33 entrance)

Registration & Cancellation

Registration is recommended, but not required. For more information, email David Martin at dmartin@peddie.org

Cancelled if there’s snow, ice or rain. To check, call the Park office at 609-529-5356 on 1/1. If this number not available call Dr. Martin at 609-529-5356.

PARVIN STATE PARK Pittsgrove

Parvin Walk in History

Parvin State Park

1:00- 3:00p.m.

Hike the Parvin Lake Trail at Parvin State Park and explore the vast natural and historic features of the park.



Hike Info

Easy~ 3 miles

Children with parents/guardians are welcome; dog friendly. Please dress appropriately and bring along binoculars and cameras. Restrooms available.

Meeting Location: Parvin State Park

701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove, NJ 08318 (main parking lot)

Registration & Cancellation

Registration is required. For more information and to register, email parvinvolunteers@gmail.com

Cancelled if rain or snow. Please check Parvin State Park Appreciation Committee, Inc. Website, Facebook, Twitter or call (856) 981-6100.

RANCOCAS STATE PARK Hainseport Township

First Day Hike at Rancocas

Rancocas State Park, Hainseport Township

11:00 a.m.

Join Burlington County Park Rangers on the first hike of 2020. Our first day hike will be held at the beautiful Rancocas State Park in Hainesport. Hike will consist of two routes to choose from: one equaling 3 miles and one 2 miles long. The trail material consists of a sandy woodland road turning into tighter mossy, rooted, and sandy conditions with slight elevation changes.

Hike Info

Easy to moderate ~ 3 miles

Children ages 6 and up, with responsible adult, are welcome.

Service animals only. Restrooms available halfway through the hike.

Meeting Location: Rancocas State Park

Rancocas State Park Hainseport Township main entrance, Rancocas Ave. Please park along the right side of the gravel road. Hikes will begin at park kiosk at the park entrance.

Registration & Cancellation

Registration is not required but requested. Please visit our online registration system on our Parks Website https://secure.rec1.com/NJ/burlington-county-nj-/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTk3MzU2NA

For more information, please call Burlington County Parks office (609)265-5858

Cancelled if inclement weather or icy conditions. To check, call ranger cell: 609-668-5164.

RINGWOOD STATE PARK Ringwood

First Day Hike

New Jersey State Botanical Gardens, Ringwood State Park

1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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.

Hike Info

Easy to moderate ~1 or 3 miles. 2 possible routes, one route is flat terrain of the Botanical Garden and one has ups and downs in the wooded areas. Children with parents/guardians are welcome; small children may need to be carried. Service animals only.

Meeting Location:

Ringwood State Park

Carriage House Visitor Center, New Jersey State Botanical Garden,1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, NJ 07456



Registration & Cancellation

Registration is NOT required. For more information, call (973)962-7031

Cancelled if snow or other severe weather conditions. To check, (609)218-3532 for more information.

ROUND VALLEY RECREATION AREA Lebanon

New Year’s Hike

Round Valley Recreation Area

10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Whatever you did the night before, this is your chance to get outdoors in New Jersey and start 2019 off on the right foot. We will hike either the Cushetunk or Water Trail and look for signs of new life as the year begins.

Hike Info

Easy to moderate ~ 3 miles

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.

Meeting Location: Round Valley Recreation Area South Lot

1220 Stanton Lebanon Rd, Lebanon, NJ 08833

Registration & Cancellation

Registration is REQUIRED. To register and/or for more information: Call park office (908)236-6355

Cancelled if snow or ice on the ground. We will call registered participants. If in doubt, please call the park office (908)236-6355 or Jim Tubman (908)963-0546.

SPRUCE RUN RECREATIONAL AREA High Bridge

Warren Highlands Trail

9:00 a.m.

Join us for this point to point hike featuring some of the newest sections of the Warren Highlands Trail through Phillipsburg, Lopatcong, and Harmony Townships in Warren County NJ.

The route features scenic vistas, historic sites, mixed hardwood forests, pleasant back roads, and pastoral settings.

Depending on snow cover, some alternative back road routes might be taken to alleviate more difficult sections.

Included in this hike are the beautiful Ragged Ridge, Van Nest-Hoff-Vanatta Farmstead, historic Hoffman Farm, Merrill Creek Reservoir, Marble Hill, and various other outlooks.

Hike Info

Difficult ~ 15 miles (This is an ALL DAY event; not for beginners)

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 as the group will not be passing by any stores. No restrooms are available.

Meeting Location: Phillipsburg Public Boat Ramp (Behind Jimmy’s Hot Dog Stand), accessible from Northampton Street before the free bridge, Phillipsburg NJ

Registration and Cancellation:

For More Information: Mike Helbing 908 343 8374, registration is not required.

STOKES STATE FOREST Branchville

First Day Hike

9:00-11:30

Join us in kicking off 2020 with the first hike of the year! Ring in the New Year right by getting outdoors and enjoying our public lands. During a 3.5 mile hike, we’ll go past waterfalls and historic sites while searching for wildlife along the way.

Hike Info

Moderate~3.5 miles

All are welcome on this hike, children must be accompanied by responsible adult and leashed pets are welcome as well.

Meeting Location: Stokes State Forest

1 Coursen Road,Branchville, NJ 07826. Meet at the Kittle Field Pavilion. Drive down Coursen Road about 2 miles past the park office to intersection. Kittle Field will be on the left. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.

Registration and Cancellation:

Registration is required by calling 973-948-3820. If inclement weather cancels the walk, registered participants will be called and notification will be placed at the Park Office.

Twin Lights Historic Site Highlands

Lighthouse Openhouse

10:00-2:00

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 views. Please bring along binoculars and warm clothes as the tower is not heated.

Hike Info

Easy- 64 steps

Meeting Location: Twin Lights Historic Site

2 Light House Road, Highlands, NJ 07732

Registration and Cancellation:

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.

WASHINGTON CROSSING STATE PARK Washington’s Crossing/Hopewell

From Ferry to Ferry - 100 horses, 18 cannons, and the wagons

Washington Crossing State Park/Johnson Ferry House

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

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.

Hike Info

Interpretive Tour/Easy to Moderate ~ 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.

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.

Registration & Cancellation

Registration is REQUIRED. To register and/or for more information, call 609-737-2515.

Cancelled if conditions dangerous/icy weather/extreme cold. To check, call (609)737-2515 for message on 12/31 or early on 1/1.

WASHINGTON CROSSING STATE PARK Hopewell

Family Nature Hike and Tomahawk Throw

1:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m.

Come out for a short-guided winter walk in the park. After the hike try your hand at sticking a small hand ax into a wooden target at a range of about 15 ft. Maybe hit a bull’s-eye.

Hike Info

Easy~ 1 mile

Hike is for all ages however, the tomahawk throw portion is only for adults. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Meeting Location: Washington Crossing State Park

355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd, Titusville, NJ 08560

Registration and Cancellation:

Registration is required calling (609) 737-0623 no later than Dec 28. Please call the Nature Center at (609) 737-0609 on the morning of 1/1/20 if there is concern that the program would be cancelled.

WAWAYANDA STATE PARK Hewitt

Lake Lookout

Wawayanda State Park

10:00 a.m.

Wawayanda State Park’s first annual First Day Hike! This is a great opportunity to kick off a healthy New Year with friends and family exploring your neighborhood park! We are offering two options - a moderate hike, or an easy family-oriented hike. Please join us in celebrating the outdoors!

Hike Info:

Easy to Moderate: One hike is a family friendly 2.5 mile hike and the other is more moderate 7 mile hike for teenagers and adults. Service animals only. Make sure to bring some water, snacks and dress appropriately.

Meeting Location: Wawayanda State Park

885 Warwick Turnpike Hewitt, NJ 07421. Meet at the main parking area.

Registration and Cancellation:

Registration is not required but highly recommended by calling the park office at 973-853-4465 or stop by park office between 8-4. For cancellation due to weather, pre-registered attendees will be contacted via phone Follow us on Facebook for updates.

WHARTON STATE FOREST/BASTO VILLAGE Washington

Batsto Mountain Bike Ride

Wharton State Forest

11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Come out and join us for a brisk cross-country mountain bike ride through the Pinelands of Wharton State Forest. Be ready to pedal up some short hills!

Bike Ride Info

Easy pace ~ 10 miles. All dirt trails. Minimum age: 14 yrs.

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).

Meeting Location: Batsto Historic Village

Batsto Historic Village parking lot (rear / north west corner), Basto Road (0.7 mile north of Highway Route 542, about 8 miles east of Hammonton, (look for large wood park sign on highway)

Registration & Cancellation

Registration is REQUIRED. To register and/or for more information call 609-567-4559 to register.

Cancelled if there is a steady rain or there is accumulating or accumulated snowfall / ice of more than approximately a half of an inch. If cancelled, we’ll email registered participants.

WHARTON STATE FOREST Washington

Batsto Village Walk

Wharton State Forest

10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

Start your new year with a family history walk through Batsto Village.

Hike Info

Easy ~ 1.5 miles

Families welcome (Village tracks may not be comfortable for strollers). Service animals only.

Meeting Location: Batsto Visitor Center, Wharton State Forest

31 Batsto Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Registration & Cancellation

Pre-registration is REQUIRED. To register and/or for more information: alicia.bjornson@dep.nj.gov or call (609)561-0024. Include your name, number of people in your party, a cell phone number and email address. Cancelled if icy conditions. To check, call (856)275-6975.

WHARTON STATE FOREST/ ATSION RECREATIONAL AREA Shamong

New Year’s Day Hike

Wharton State Forest/Atsion Recreation Area

10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Start the New Year right! Get into the outdoors. Join the Outdoor Club of South Jersey on their hike into our beautiful Pine Barrens.

Hike Info

Moderate pace ~ 6 miles

Children parents/guardians welcome. Paths are not wheelchair accessible.

Bring lunch and beverage. No restrooms, only pit toilets.

Meeting Location: Field next to the Atsion Office

744 US-206, Shamong, NJ 08088.

Registration & Cancellation

No registration required. For more information, email cdenneler157@yahoo.com.

For cancellation notice please visit ocsj.org.

WHITESBOG HISTORIC VILLAGE Browns Mills

First Day Trash Hike and Clean-up!

Whitesbog Historic Village

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Join Pinelands Institute staff and our local Americorps Watershed Ambassador for a First Day Trash Hike!Hike through Historic Whitesbog Village and out into the bogs as you explore the Pine Barrens environment! Along the way we will pick up any trash we see littered along the side of the trails. Help us keep Whitesbog beautiful while also working off those holiday calories!

Hike Info

Easy ~ 1.5 miles

All ages are welcome, children under 16 must be accompanied by and adult. BYOG (bring your own gloves) snacks and water. Extra gloves and trash bags will be provided.

Meeting Location: Whitesbog Historic Village

799 Lakehurst Road, Browns Mills NJ 08015. Follow the paved road into the Village and park in the main lot across from the General Store.

Registration and Cancellation

Registration is required by visiting facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1876164489196762/ , or email Jess at PinelandsInstitute@gmail.com. For cancellation information please check facebook event page for up to date information. Official call will be made by 10AM on 1/1

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For general information about First Day Hikes, email Stephanie Fox at Stephanie.Fox@dep.nj.gov