Thank you for coming out and taking part in our 2022 First Day Hikes! If you didn’t already, please take a moment to fill out our feedback form and let us know how many miles your group covered!
This Year's Hikes
Alapocas Run State Park
Check-in: 10:00 a.m. -noon
Welcome Station: Blue Ball Barn courtyard
Take a self-guided hike of the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail through Alapocas Woods to the Rock Wall. Send off at 10 a.m. or check-in at the welcome station in the courtyard of the Blue Ball Barn from 10 a.m. to noon.
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Accessible? Yes- Paved
- Restrictions: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash
- Length of hike: 3 miles round trip
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather
- Contact for more information: elizabeth.androskaut@delaware.gov
Auburn Valley State Park
Check-in: 10:30 a.m to 1:00 pm
Welcome Station: Event Parking Lot (Mansion) at 3000 Creek Road
Kick off 2023 with fresh air and an outdoor adventure at Auburn Valley State Park. Take a self-guided hike to explore the area's history and key landmarks along our Yorklyn Bridge Trail or join the group hike up the Auburn Valley Loop Trail starting at 11am. Park at the Event Parking Lot then check-in at the Welcome Station during the times listed above. In case of snow or ice, the start location will be moved to the Paper Mill Parking lot on Benge Road.
- Hike Difficulty: Yorklyn Bridge Trail: Moderate, Auburn Valley Loop Trail: Moderate with steeper grades
- Accessible? Auburn Valley Loop Trail: Yes, Yorklyn Bridge Trail: Yes
- Restrictions: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash
- Length of hike: Yorklyn Bridge Trail: 1.8 miles, Auburn Valley Loop Trail: 2.2 miles
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather
- Contact for more information: Teresa.Pierce@Delaware.gov
Bellevue State Park
Check-in: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Welcome Station: Top of Main Parking Lot
The New Year is here! Make your first day of the year a good one by joining the national First Day Hike movement. Check-in with the Naturalists at the welcome station at the top of the main parking lot and then begin your First Day Hike! Send off at 1 p.m.
- Hike Difficulty: Easy
- Accessible? Yes- Paved
- Restrictions: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash
- Length of hike: 2.5 miles round trip
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather
- Contact for more information: nick.madden@delaware.gov
Brandywine Creek State Park
Check-in: 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Welcome Station: Nature Center
At Brandywine Creek we are highlighting three trails for our First Day Hikes: the Brandywine Trail, the Meadows Trail, and the Hidden Pond Trail. Check-in at the welcome station outside the nature center between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to sign-in, get a map and pick your adventure. Take any of these self-guided hikes at your own pace! All three trails have interpretive signage and QR codes to our virtual nature center so you can learn fun facts on your hike. The park naturalist will lead a guided hike around the Hidden Pond which meets at the welcome station at 1:30 p.m.
- Hike Difficulty: Easy, Medium, Medium/hard
- Accessible? Brandywine Trail: semi accessible, wide paved and gravel, Meadows (Cross Country)Trail: wide mowed grass, hilly in places, Hidden Pond: inaccessible, narrow, dirt and rocks, hilly
- Restrictions: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash
- Length of hike: Brandywine Trail- 2.7 miles (one direction), Meadows (Cross Country) Trail- 1 mile, Hidden Pond Trail- 2.2 miles
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and sturdy walking shoes
- Contact for more information: lisa.watt@delware.gov
Brandywine Zoo
Check-in: Check in at the Zoo's ticket window fifteen minutes prior to the start of the tour
Welcome Station: The zoo’s ticket window
Ring in the New Year with a guided -hike- through the zoo! Join one of our educators for a free half-hour tour through the zoo to learn all about the animals, how we care for them, and what you can do to make conservation a New Year's Resolution you can keep. Tours begin at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Space is limited, so checking in at the welcome station (Ticket Window) is encouraged fifteen minutes before the tour.
- Hike Difficulty: Easy
- Accessible? Yes- Paved
- Restrictions: Service animals only
- Length of hike: 1/10 of a mile
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
- Contact for more information: lauren.barczak@delaware.gov
Cape Henlopen State Park
Check-in: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Welcome Station: The Point Overlook
Park at the Point Comfort Station parking lot and stop by the Welcome Station at The Point Overlook to check in with staff before embarking on a self-guided beach hike of The Point. Recommend for ages 5 and older with an adult.
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
- Accessible? No
- Restrictions: No pets allowed
- Length of hike: 2 miles
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather
- Contact for more information: richard.julian@delaware.gov
Delaware Seashore State Park
Check-in: 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Welcome Station: North Inlet Day Area parking lot, south east corner
Take in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Bay as you enjoy this self-guided hike over the iconic Indian River Inlet bridge at sunset. Check-in with park staff at the welcome station from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., send off at 4:15 p.m.
- Hike Difficulty: Easy
- Accessible? Yes- Paved
- Restrictions: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash
- Length of hike: 1 mile round trip
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather and wind
- Contact for more information: Indian River Life-Saving Station 302-227-6991
First State Heritage Park
Check-in: noon - 1:00 p.m.
Welcome Station: John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green)
Out with the old, in with the new! Start 2023 out right by joining the national movement and partake in a refreshing, rejuvenating First Day Hike. At 1 p.m., meet at the welcome station at The John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green) for one of our signature guided tours around the historic Dover Green with a knowledgeable First State Heritage Park interpreter. Also available from the mounted box beside the building are self-guided tour booklets of Dover's historic neighborhoods courtesy of the Friends of Old Dover.
- Hike Difficulty: Easy
- Accessible? Cobblestone sidewalk, generally level with some bumps and uneven spots.
- Restrictions: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash
- Length of hike: 1/4 mile
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather with comfortable shoes. A water bottle is advised.
- Contact for more information: Rose Cottage, 302-739-9194, TourFSHP@delaware.gov
Fort DuPont State Park
Check-in: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Welcome Station: Parking Lot at the end of Old Battery Lane/Wilmington Avenue
Start the New Year off right by joining us for a hike on Fort DuPont’s trails. Experience both the beautiful natural environment and the historic structures that make this park unique. Be sure to wear comfortable water-proof shoes and dress warmly. This hike is self-guided, but we encourage you to start the hike at 10 a.m. to join with other First Day Hikers. We will have a welcome station with guide brochures and information.
- Hike Difficulty: Easy
- Accessible? Riverview Trail, partially accessible (wide trail, part of the trail is gravel, part is a dirt/grass trail).
- Restrictions: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash
- Length of hike: 0.7 miles
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather, bring water, and wear sturdy, waterproof shoes that you don't mind getting dirty.
- Contact for more information: jacob.miller@delaware.gov
Fort Miles Historical Area
Check-in: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Welcome Station: Artillery Park
Start your year off right with a self-guided exploration of the Fort Miles Artillery Park. Those looking to add a little more history, nature and distance can also hike the Pinelands Trail and discover the importance of this area in coastal defense.
- Hike Difficulty: Artillery Park: Easy, Pinelands Trail: Moderate
- Accessible? Artillery Park: Yes Pinelands Trail: No
- Restrictions: Artillery Park: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash , Pinelands Trail: No pets allowed
- Length of hike: Artillery Park: .25 miles, Pinelands Trail: 1.5 miles
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather
- Contact for more information: tyler.dreiblatt@delaware.gov
Holts Landing State Park
Check-in: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Welcome Station: Picnic Pavilion
Meander through maritime forest, salt marsh, and meadow habitats on this self-guided hike of the Sea Hawk Trail. Check in with park staff at the welcome station from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Send off at 2 p.m.
- Hike Difficulty: Easy
- Accessible? Crushed stone and boardwalk surfaces
- Restrictions: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash
- Length of hike: 1.2 miles round trip
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather
- Contact for more information: Indian River Life-Saving Station 302-227-6991
Killens Pond State Park
Check-in: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Welcome Station: Sports Complex Parking Lot
Kick off the year outdoors and be part of the national movement with a First Day Hike! The group will meet at the Sports Complex, then pick 1 of 2 self-guided trails to hike - the accessible Bike Trail or a section of the Cross Country Trail. Send off at 1 p.m. Nature center will also be open from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.
- Hike Difficulty: Bike Trail: Easy, Cross Country Trail: Moderate
- Accessible? Bike Trail: Yes, Cross Country Trail: No
- Restrictions: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash
- Length of hike: Bike Trail: 1.5 miles, Cross Country Trail: 1.5 miles
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather
- Contact for more information: kathleen.crane@delaware.gov OR DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov
Lums Pond State Park
Check-in: 10:00 a.m. - noon
Welcome Station: Campground Stage
This year’s self-guided hike will be a 2-mile loop on parts of the Swamp Forest and Little Jersey trails. Check-in at the welcome station at the campground stage to get details on the hike and general park information. Campers and non-campers are welcome to visit the new campground store before or after the hike to get snacks and fun park merch. The campground store will be open 9 a.m - 4 p.m. Interested in camping that weekend? Visit https://destateparks.com/Reservations
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
- Accessible? No
- Restrictions: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash
- Length of hike: 2 miles
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather, bring water and good walking shoes
- Contact for more information: Samantha.Sobel@delaware.gov
Trap Pond State Park
Check-in: 9:45 a.m.- noon
Welcome Station: Baldcypress Nature Cente
Join us at Trap Pond State Park for a First Day Hike, in the first state park, in the first state. Stop by the welcome station at the Baldcypress Nature Center to sign-in, grab a map, and chat with park staff. Several educational stops can be found along the American Holly Trail or customize your own hike within the park. Send off at 10 a.m.
- Hike Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Accessible? Well packed gravel pathways. Fully accesible nature center.
- Restrictions: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash
- Length of hike: 1.1 miles round trip
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather
- Contact for more information: William.koth@delaware.gov
White Clay Creek State Park
Check-in: 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Welcome Station: Chambers House Nature Center
A group hike will be led by park staff and members of the Friends of White Clay Creek State Park starting at 10 a.m. Self-guided option is also available.
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
- Accessible? Hard-packed dirt, stone and paved surface
- Restrictions: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash
- Length of hike: Approximately 3.5 miles loop
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather, bring water and good walking shoes
- Contact for more information: Claire.Mickletz@delaware.gov
White Clay Creek State Park
Check-in: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Welcome Station: Possum Hill Parking Lot
A group hike led by park staff and members of the Friends of White Clay Creek State Park will be starting at 11 a.m. Self-guided option is also available.
- Hike Difficulty: Easy
- Accessible? Yes- Paved
- Restrictions: Pets must be on a max. 6-foot leash
- Length of hike: Approximately 2 miles out and back
- What to bring with you: Dress for the weather, bring water and good walking shoes
- Contact for more information: Claire.Mickletz@delaware.gov
