Happy New Year; Go Take a Hike

The Department of Natural Resources has a family-friendly suggestion for Jan. 1—go take a hike. And to motivate, they're sponsoring 17 ranger- or volunteer-guided hikes in state parks on the first day of the new year.

The full list of the 17 hikes is available at the DNR website. This post will give you the closest hikes to Edgewater and Davidsonville (less than an hour drive). The other hikes are everywhere from Assateague Island in Worcester County on the Eastern Shore to the westernmost parts of Garrett County, so if you have more time and don't mind the drive, check out the full list.

Each of the day hikes listed here is designed as easy to moderate. Rangers recommend you bring water, binoculars and cameras. Wear weather-appropriate clothes and comfortable shoes.

Here are the hikes that are close to home:

Cedarville,35 miles from Edgewater in Aquasco, Charles County. This three-mile hike is rated easy and is appropriate for all ages. Meet at the old charcoal kiln parking lot at noon. Dogs on a leash are welcome. Call Cedarville State Forest at 301-888-1410 for more information.

Gunpowder Falls, 28 miles from Edgewater in Perry Hall, Baltimore County. This two-mile hike is easy to moderate for family members of all ages. Meet at the trailhead on the Big Gunpowder River near Perry Hall at 2 p.m. Dogs on a leash are welcome. The hike may cover some wet or uneven terrain. Reservations are required; call Gunpowder Falls State Park at 410-592-2897

Patapsco Valley, 27 miles from Edgewater in Severn. This two-mile hike is appropriate for children 12 and up. Meet at 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Area Nature Center. A ranger and a geologist will lead a brisk winter hike with views of the Patapsco River Valley and Bloede's Dam. Reservations are required; call Patapsco Valley State Park at 410-461-5005.

Seneca Creek, 48 miles from Edgewater in Gaithersburg, Montgomery County. This four-mile hike is appropriate for children ages 5 and up. Meet at 10:30 a.m. at the tire playground for an easy to moderate hike around Clopper Lake. Dogs on a leash are welcome. For more information, call Seneca Creek State Park at 301-924-2127.

Soldiers Delight, 45 miles from Edgewater in Owings Mills, Baltimore County. This 2.5-mile hike is appropriate for children 6 and older. Meet at 1 p.m. at the visitor center for an easy to moderate hike. For more information, call Soldiers Delight NEA at 410-461-5005.

Tuckahoe, 44 miles from Edgewater in Queen Anne, Queen Anne's County. This two-mile hike is rated as easy and appropriate for all ages. Meet at 11 a.m. at the Lake Pavilion. Look for a bald eagle or two before heading into the woods with views of flooded woodlands and mature forests. For more information, call Tuckahoe State Park at 410-820-1668.