Delaware State Parks to host First Day hikes Jan. 1

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will host 17 self-guided hikes throughout Delaware State Parks Saturday, Jan. 1, to ring in the new year.

First Day Hikes is a national movement sponsored by America’s State Parks to encourage the celebration of fitness in the nation’s great outdoors.

There is no need to register for any of the hikes listed below, but participants are encouraged to stop by each hike’s check-in table during the times indicated to be counted as part of the nationwide initiative.

While the hikes are self-guided, park staff will be available to answer questions. After the hike, participants are invited to fill out the feedback form at destateparks.com/firstday and record how many miles they covered.

Items hikers may want to bring along include comfortable hiking/walking shoes, a camera, a bottle of water, appropriate layers for the weather, a hat, sunglasses, a backpack and snacks. Unless indicated otherwise below, dogs are allowed on the hiking trails and must be on a maximum 6-foot leash. Some hikes may require water-resistant shoes. Not all hiking trails are suitable for strollers.

Times and trails for Jan. 1 hikes at Delaware state parks are listed below: 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Trap Pond State Park American Holly Loop to Bob Trail, Laurel, 1.1-mile loop. Easy/moderate, accessible. Check in at the nature center.

11 a.m. to noon, The Point at Cape Henlopen, Lewes, 2 miles. Moderate. Ages 5 and older. Check in at the Point parking area. No pets allowed.

Noon to 1 p.m., Indian River Inlet bridge, Delaware Seashore State Park, Rehoboth Beach, .75 miles. Check in at the North Inlet Day Area.

12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Cape Henlopen State Park Fort Miles Artillery Park, Lewes, .25 to 2 miles. Easy/moderate. Check in at the orientation building.

1 to 2 p.m., Killens Pond State Park Bike Trail, Felton, 2 miles, with length option. Moderate. Accessible. Check in at pavilion 1.

2 to 3 p.m., Holts Landing State Park Sea Hawk Trail, Dagsboro, 1.3 miles. Easy. Accessible. Check in at the Holts picnic pavilion.

For more information, go to destateparks.com/firstday or call 302-739-9220.