Delaware State Parks wants you to take a hike — literally — on New Year's Day

Jessica Bies
The News Journal

Start the New Year off on the right foot Tuesday by taking part in one of several "First Day Hikes" at Delaware's state parks. 

The annual event, staged by state parks across the U.S., encourages individuals and families to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercise and connect with nature. Last year nearly 55,000 people collectively hiked over 133,000 miles. 

Delaware has 15 guided hikes on Tuesday of varying lengths and difficulty. It is recommended that participants dress in layers, wear winter shoes, hats and gloves, and bring drinking water and snacks. 

People walk through Brandywine Creek State Park as snow begins to drape the area Saturday morning.

Admission to Delaware's State Parks is free from Dec. 1 to Feb. 28. 

Pets are allowed but must be on leashes. Hikes may be canceled because of inclement weather. Call the numbers provided to check on the status of each event. 

Don't like to hike in large groups? Visit destateparks.com/trails to plan your own excursion. Otherwise, here's the complete schedule for Tuesday: 

Alapocas Run State Park

When: 10 a.m. 

Meeting spot: Blue Ball Barn

Length of hike: 3.5 miles

Hike difficulty: Moderate

Handicap accessible? No

Minimum age: None

Restrictions: Pets must be on leashes

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-222-7436

Description: Two-hour recreational hike along the Northern Delaware Greenway trail as well as the trails in Alapocas Run State Park.

Five brave souls took a First Day Hike in the cold weather in 2017. 

Auburn Valley State Park - Hike One

When: 1 p.m.

Meeting spot: Oversee Farm Trail Parking Lot, 1516 Snuff Mill Road

Length of hike: 1.1 miles

Hike difficulty: Moderate

Handicap accessible? No

Minimum age: None

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-256-6321

Description: Hike the newest trail at Auburn Heights Preserve: the 1.1-mile Oversee Farm Trail.

Auburn Valley State Park - Hike Two

When: 3:30 p.m. 

Meeting spot: Yorklyn Bridge Trail parking lot on Yorklyn Road

Length of hike: 1.2 miles

Hike difficulty: Moderate

Handicap accessible? No

Minimum age: None

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-256-6321

Description: Walk the ½-mile Yorklyn Bridge Trail and cross the new Paper Mill Bridge to also hike the 1.2-mile paved Auburn Valley Trail.

Bellvue State Park 

When: 1 p.m. 

Meeting spot: Bellevue Arts Center

Length of hike: 2.5 miles

Hike difficulty: Easy

Handicap accessible? Yes. 

Minimum age: None

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-761-6963

Description: Trail will be picked based on the group and hike will last about an hour. The park is also stroller friendly. 

First Day Hikes are children-friendly events. Enjoy yourself like this family pictured two years ago. 

Brandywine Creek State Park 

When: 1 p.m. 

Meeting spot: Nature Center

Length of hike: 2 to 2.5 miles

Hike difficulty: Moderate 

Handicap accessible? No 

Minimum age: None

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-655-5740

Description: You will see birds, meadows, nature preserve, Brandywine River/Creek, etc.

Brandywine Zoo 

When: 1 p.m. 

Meeting spot: Zoo's front gates

Length of hike: 0.1 miles

Hike difficulty: Easy

Handicap accessible? Yes

Minimum age: None

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-571-7747. You can also find cancellation info on the Zoo's website or the Zoo's Facebook page.

Description: Stroll through the zoo to learn about how they care for resident animals during the winter.

Cape Henlopen State Park 

When: 11 a.m. 

Meeting spot: The Point parking lot — extra parking at Point Comfort Station parking lot

Length of hike: 1.5 miles

Hike difficulty: Easy

Handicap accessible? No

Minimum age: 7 years old with an adult

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-645-6852

Description: Hike to the northeastern edge of Delaware, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Experience the “battle” between sea and land that shape the Point. Participants will also search for seals and loons out in the water and other mystery items that have washed ashore on this 1.5-hour hike.

See how Brandywine Zoo takes care of resident animals like this one during this year's First Day Hike. 

Delaware Seashore State Park 

When: 3 p.m. 

Meeting spot: North Inlet Day Area

Length of hike: 1.7 miles

Hike difficulty: Easy

Handicap accessible? Yes

Minimum age: Recommended minimum age is 6

Contact info for possible cancellations: Find updates online at facebook.com/delawareseashorestatepark

Description: Learn about inlet history during a hike over the Charles W. Cullen Bridge. Dress warmer than usual; the bridge can be windy. 

First State Heritage Park 

When: 1 p.m. 

Meeting spot: John Bell House, 43 The Green, Dover

Length of hike: 0.25 miles

Hike difficulty: Easy

Handicap accessible? Yes

Minimum age: None 

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-545-2027

Description: Hear stories about Dover's Green during a short walking tour. 

Fort Dupont State Park 

When: 10 a.m.

Meeting spot: Parking lot at the end of Wilmington Avenue/Old Battery Lane

Length of hike: 1 mile

Hike difficulty: Easy

Handicap accessible? No

Minimum age: None

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-834-7941

Description:  Experience both the beautiful natural environment and the historic structures that make this park unique.

First Day Walk at Lum's Pond in 2017. 

Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area 

When: 2 p.m.

Meeting spot: Fort Miles Orientation Building

Length of hike: 1.5 miles

Hike difficulty: Moderate

Handicap accessible? No

Minimum age: 7 years old with an adult

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-644-5005

Description: Hike the Pinelands area below Fort Miles and uncover some of Cape Henlopen’s history. Be prepared for walking in loose sand.

Killens Pond State Park 

When: 1 p.m.

Meeting spot: Nature Center

Length of hike: 2.8 miles

Hike difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Handicap accessible? No

Minimum age: None

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-284-4299

Description: Multiple hikes of various lengths starting from the nature center. 

Lums Pond State Park 

When: 1 p.m.

Meeting spot: Area 1 Pavilion

Length of hike: 1 mile

Hike difficulty: Easy

Handicap accessible? No

Minimum age: 5, must be able to walk a mile

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-368-6989

Description: Guided hike on the Swamp Forest Trail near the pond and forests of the park.

First Day Walk at Lum's Pond in 2017. 

Trap Pond State Park 

When: 10 a.m. 

Meeting spot: Baldcypress Nature Center

Length of hike: 1.5 miles

Hike difficulty: Easy

Handicap accessible? Yes

Minimum age: None

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-875-5163

Description: See how industry has affected the ecosystem on this easy 1.5-mile hike on the Bob Trail.  

White Clay Creek State Park 

When: 1 p.m.  

Meeting spot: Carpenter Recreation Area

Length of hike: 1.3 miles

Hike difficulty: Moderate. 

Handicap accessible? No

Minimum age: None (no stroller access)

Contact info for possible cancellations: 302-368-6560

Description: This hike will be on the Millstone Pond Trail. The park will offer "Hike on Your Own” suggestions for those who prefer smaller groups. 

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Contact Jessica Bies at (302) 324-2881 or jbies@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @jessicajbies.