
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!
10 a.m. - noon - Northern Delaware Greenway Trail
Check-in location: Blue Ball Barn, Courtyard Entrance
Start your year off right with a self-guided hike on the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail that runs through Alapocas Run State Park. Start at the Blue Ball Barn and walk as long as you want. Free
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Yorklyn Bridge Trail and Auburn Valley Loop Trail
Check-in location: Park pavilion on Yorklyn Rd. Parking will be in the lot and in the empty lots of Dewpoint Brewery.
Join this nationwide event and start 2022 in the fresh bracing air of the Red Clay Valley! This hike will start along the Yorklyn Bridge trail at the park pavilion. From there you'll hike through the ruins of an industrial complex and then up into the wild and undisturbed sweep of the Auburn Valley Loop Trail which overlooks the DE/PA border. Free
1 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Bellevue Trail
Check-in location: Top of Main Parking Lot
Step into 2022 with your best foot forward! Hike with family and friends on our self-guided hike through Bellevue, and your new year is sure to start off well. Remember to stop by our table at the top of the parking lot for the route! Public bathrooms available by the table. Free
1 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Meadows Trail
Check-in location: Outside nature center
Begin again! Come enjoy sweeping vistas as you walk the meadow trail to ring in the New Year! Hike is self-guided with QR info stops along the way to learn about our meadows. Free
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Path through the zoo
Check-in location: Ticket window
Join us for a self-guided “hike” of temporary interpretive signs around the zoo focusing on some snapshots from the zoo's historic past plus some modern updates on our Master Plan progress. Free.
11 a.m. - noon - The Point
Check-in location: The Point parking area
Join the national movement! Get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and start your new year off right with a First Day Hike! Start at the Point overlook. Park at the Point Comfort Station parking lot. Ages 5 and up. Free
noon - 1 p.m. - Indian River Inlet Bridge
Check-in location: North Inlet Day Area
Join the national movement! Get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and start your new year off right with a First Day Hike! Meet at the North Inlet Day Area. Free
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Experience Historic Dover
Check-in location: The John Bell House (43 The Green)
Out with the old, in with the new! Start 2022 out right with a refreshing, rejuvenating hike on the first day of the new year. Self-guided tour booklets will be available throughout the day - these will take you on a leisurely stroll through Dover's historic neighborhoods. We're looking forward to setting the tone of the year to come with you!
10 a.m. - noon - Riverview Trail
Check-in location: Riverview Trail Trailhead
Start the new year off right with a First Day Hike! Pick up a trail map and a self-guided brochure at our check-in station at the trailhead and enjoy a hike through historic Fort DuPont. Free
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Artillery Park
Check-in location: Orientation Building
Start your year off right with a self-guided exploration of the Fort Miles Artillery Park. Those looking to add a little more history and distance can also hike to Battery Hunter and discover its importance in coastal defense. Meet at the Orientation Building. Free
2 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Sea Hawk Trail
Check-in location: Holts picnic pavilion
Join the national movement! Get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and start your new year off right with a First Day Hike! Meet at the Holts Landing Picnic Pavilion. Free
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. - Bike Trail
Check-in location: Pavilion 1
Join the national movement! Get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and start your new year off right with a First Day Hike! Meet at Pavilion 1 at the Sports Complex Area. Free
noon - 4 p.m. - Swamp Forest Trail/ Little Jersey Trail
Check-in location: Nature Center
Bring in the New Year outdoors! This year's first day hike will be self-guided along the swamp forest trail. Free
1 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Swamp Forest Trail
Check-in location: Area 1 Pavilion
Bring in the New Year outdoors! This year's first day hike will be self-guided along the swamp forest trail. Free
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Bob Trail and others
Check-in location: Nature Center
Stop at the Baldcypress Nature Center to pick up your map and choose your own First Day Hike at Trap Pond State Park. Park staff can help you choose trail lengths between one half and seven miles.
10 a.m. - noon - Tri-Valley Trail
Check-in location: Smith Mill Parking Lot
Start the year off right with a self-guided hike on the Tri-Valley trail. The Friends of White Clay will be staffing a table from 10 to noon at the Smith Mill road parking lot if you have any questions.
1 p.m. - 3 p.m. - PennDel and Pomeroy
Check-in location: Nature Center Parking Lot
Start the year off right with a self-guided hike on the PennDel and Pomeroy trails, there is also a virtual hike you can scan with your smartphone and follow along. A naturalist will be on the Nature Center porch from 1 to 3 p.m. if you have any questions.