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