6 First Day Hikes, 2 Bike Rides In South Jersey Monday

Is your New Year’s Resolution to get in shape? What better way to get a jump on that than with a New Year’s Day hike. The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry will offer a variety of fun and invigorating recreational opportunities across the state on New Year’s Day as part of the annual America’s State Parks First Day Hikes program designed to get people outdoors.

In South Jersey, there will be six guided hikes and two mountain bike rides on Monday, Jan. 1. The mountain bike rides will take place at Belleplain State Forest and Wharton State Forest, both in Burlington County. The bike rides are planned along 10 miles of trail, and have minimum age requirements for participation.

Hikes will take place in Bass River State Forest in Woodland Township, Brendan T. Byrne State Forest in Pemberton Township, Rancocas State Park in Westampton, and Wharton State Forest in Shamong and Washington townships, all in Burlington County; Belleplain State Forest in Woodbine Township, Cape May County; and Parvin State Park in Pittsgrove, Salem County.

“First Day Hikes are yet another way for the State Parks System to showcase our parks and forests in a fun and healthy way, whether on foot, mountain bike or horseback,” New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner Bob Martin said. “This is a great way for families to get outdoors, learn about the parks in their communities, and be inspired to visit them again.”

“The annual First Day Hikes program offers visitors a great incentive to head outdoors, get some exercise and explore the natural beauty of our parks, forests and historic sites,” Division of Parks and Forestry Director Mark Texel said. “We invite everyone to wrap up the holiday season with this wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature found across the state.”

Statewide, hikes are scheduled at parks and forests in 14 of New Jersey’s 21 counties. All events are free. Some require preregistration, others do not. Some events also are weather-dependent. For a detailed list on event start times, how to dress, difficulty ratings and lengths of hike, age requirements, accessibility issues, whether dogs are permitted, and who to contact in case of inclement weather, visit www.njparksandforests.org/parks/first_day_hikes.html.

The State Park Service began participating in First Day Hikes after the program became a nationwide event in 2012. First Day Hikes began more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass. The program was launched to promote healthy lifestyles and year-round recreation at state parks.

The attached image was provided by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).