First Day Nature Hikes Include Several In Mercer County

TITUSVILLE, NJ— Ready to get 2024 off to a good start? Free, guided hikes are taking place on New Year's Day around the Garden State's parks, historical landmarks, and forests — including several in Mercer County.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is inviting residents to "put your best foot forward" and learn more about nature and the history of their local parks with more than 30 First Day Hikes. All of the events are free and will have a guide, though pre-registration is required for some.

"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," the DEP said in an announcement earlier this week.

The DEP’s State Park Service began participating in First Day Hikes after the program became a nationwide event in 2012.

All participants are encouraged to carry their own water and snacks, wear sturdy footgear, and check the weather to make sure they are wearing the right clothing before heading out.

And, if you want to explore on your own, click here for an interactive "trail tracker" for New Jersey's state parks.

Here are the First Day hikes in Mercer County on New Year's Day:

Mapleton Preserve hike, Princeton

• Monday, Jan. 1 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Meet at 145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ 08540

You can sleep in a little bit before this "easy hike" through the Mapleton Preserve, which is sponsored by Friends of Princeton Nursery Lands. The walk, which is open to all ages, will start at the Mapleton Preserve/D&R Canal State Park Headquarters and is about 1.5 miles. Dogs on a leash are welcome, but the course is not wheelchair or stroller friendly.

No registration is needed for this walk, and afterwards you can socialize with other hikers over cocoa and cookies. Contact Karen at 609-683-0483 for more information or cancellation updates.

Tour of Trenton along D&R Canal State Park

• Monday, Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Meet at the Trenton Battle Monument, 348 North Warren Street, Trenton, NJ 08625

This hike follows the canal through the city, up to Cadwalader Park and back to the Battle Monument (about 3.5 miles). All ages are welcome, and only service animals are permitted. The course, which is moderate, is not wheelchair or stroller friendly.

Registration is required; please email Trails@dep.nj.gov with your name, the number of participants you are registering in your party and the best phone number to reach you if the event is cancelled.

Washington Crossing State Park hike - waitlist available

There are also two hikes scheduled at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, but as of Wednesday, Dec. 27 all spots are taken for the morning hike along the Loop. There is a waiting list for a 2 p.m. hike on the "red dot trail" at the nature center; click here to put your name on the list.