Walk Into 2025 With First Day Hikes At South Jersey State Parks

SOUTH JERSEY — Start off the new year on the right foot - literally - with a free, guided First Day Hike at one of New Jersey's state parks on Jan. 1, 2025.

The State Park Service is offering more than 30 hikes at skill levels from beginner to advanced, giving people of all abilities a chance to get outdoors and enhance their physical and mental well-being by experiencing nature.

“Hikers of all abilities have a variety of opportunities to enjoy our state parks and forests year-round, whether trekking through rugged, wooded areas, enjoying urban green spaces or exploring coastal marshlands,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “From High Point to Cape May, this is a great time of year to see New Jersey’s diverse environment while spending time outdoors with family and friends.”

Locally, hikes are happening at Belleplain State Forest and Batsto Village. These range from slow to moderate.

Nearly 2,000 hikers participated in First Day Hikes on Jan. 1, 2024, collectively traveling 5,000 miles.

In Wharton State Forest, tours will begin outside the Batsto Visitor Center, with planned stops outside the mansion, general store, sawmill, and more. Sharing stories from the iron era to the present, interpreters will guide visitors through three centuries of Pinelands history. Walking Tours are approximately 75-90 minutes and begin promptly at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. Reservations are not required, and tours are free and open to the public. This is a moderate, approximately two-mile walk. Children of all ages are welcome. Dogs on leash are welcome.

Belleplain has a nature hike and a dog walk. Meet at the Belleplain Forest Office at 10 a.m. for a three-mile guided Nature Walk through the woods. Tour takes approximately three hours due to Pine Barrens facts and lore as well as some tree identification. All ages are welcome. Dogs on leash are welcome. Wheelchair and stroller friendly.

Or, join Megan with her dogs at 9:30 a.m. on a New Years Day hike through Belleplain State Forest. This hike will be approximately 4.5-5 miles long. Dogs must be leashed at all times. This is a moderately paced hike with a few stops along the way to make sure the entire group is together. Weather Permitting. Rain will cancel. Snow will not. All ages are welcome.

“Kickstart the new year immersed in the outdoors and history by joining a knowledgeable guide on a hike in one of New Jersey’s state parks, forests or historic sites and experience the amazing spaces that the Garden State has to offer,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. “First Day Hikes provide the opportunity to reconnect, rejuvenate and set a positive tone for the year ahead.”