New Year’s Day Events In NJ: Hikes, Bikes, Horses And Lighthouses

Looking to start the New Year on the right foot in the Garden State? The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry will offer several chances to get outdoors on New Year’s Day.

State parks, forests and historic sites will offer visitors 22 guided hikes, two mountain bike rides, one horseback ride and one lighthouse climb on Jan. 1, 2019 as part of the annual America’s State Parks’ First Day Hikes program.

Hikes are scheduled at parks and forests in 13 of New Jersey’s 21 counties. (See our map below)

Parks and Forestry officials said that 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 whom to contact in case of inclement weather, click here.

Parks and Forestry officials offered the following cold weather tips for New Year’s Day hikers:

• “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”

“The free hikes offer an incentive to get outside and exercise, experience history, enjoy nature and celebrate 2019 with friends and family in one of your state parks,” said Mark Texel, assistant director of the State Park Service.

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

STATE PARK OFFICIALS’ TOP PICKS

For “relatively simple hikes” – Try a 1.5-mile hike at either Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park or Wharton State Forest’s Batsto Village. One-mile hikes are offered at the Forest Resource Education Center or Ringwood State Park.

For “those seeking an impressive view with minimal effort” - Try the 64 steps to the top of the lighthouse at Twin Lights Historic Site.

For “experienced hikers looking for a challenge” - Head to High Point State Park for a strenuous 6-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. To cover even more ground, visit Spruce Run Recreation Area for an all-day 15-mile hike.

For those seeking to “learn more about the state’s rich history” - Visit Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Washington Crossing State Park or Fort Mott State Park’s events.

For “those trying to get fit on wheels” – Head to Belleplain State Forest for a technical trail ride on your mountain bike. For a more easygoing cross-country mountain bike ride, join the Batsto Village ride in Wharton State Forest.

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Photo: DEP