First Day Hikes in Delaware: Hiking on New Year's Day 2024 through Delaware State Parks

Avid hikers and those just looking to put some New Year's resolutions in place right away have one thing in common: First Day Hikes.

A decadeslong tradition, First Day Hikes is a nationwide effort to encourage people to spend time outdoors on New Year’s Day.

Throughout the nation, free, guided hikes will be organized in every state for people of all ages and capabilities to enjoy.

Nearly 55,000 people participated last year and collectively hiked over 133,000 miles, according to American Hiking Society. And there’s room for you to join the fun this year, too.

Whether you’re a novice looking for new ways to get those daily steps in or an expert on the trails, Delaware State Parks has a lengthy list of guided and self-guided hikes through the statewide parks system.

First Day Hikes in Delaware

Whether you’re walking the trails solo or with a group, each hiking location has a welcome station or check-in area so attendees can be counted for the event. Due to limited space, some locations will require registration, so don’t forget to check in advance.

If you’re looking for extra motivation to sign up, Delaware State Parks will be giving out free First Day Hike stickers and magnets while supplies last.

Now, fill up your water bottle, slather on some sunscreen, grab your shoes and head outdoors.

Alapocas Run State Park

This guided hike will take participants on the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail through Alapocas Run.

Bathrooms are available at Blue Ball Barn. Registration is required.

• Hike time: 10 a.m. to noon.

• Welcome station: Blue Ball Barn.

• Hike difficulty: Easy/moderate.

• Accessible? Yes (paved trail).

• Distance: 3 miles round trip.

Auburn Valley State Park

This guided hike is described as “brisk interpretive” and takes participants through Auburn Valley.

Bathrooms are available at Auburn Heights Estate. Registration is required.

• Hike time: 10 a.m. to noon.

• Welcome station: Event parking lot.

• Hike difficulty: Moderate.

• Accessible? Yes, the trail is paved but has moderate-grade elevations, and the parking lot is grass and stone. Those in wheelchairs may have difficulty with inclines without assistance.

• Distance: 3 miles round trip.

The self-guided hike can be done on your own time and does not require registration.

• Hike time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Welcome station: Auburn Heights Mansion event lot.

• Hike difficulty: Easy/moderate.

• Accessible? Yes, the trail is paved but has moderate-grade elevations, and the parking lot is grass and stone.

• Distance: 2 to 5 miles.

Bellevue State Park

The morning hike at Bellevue will take visitors past Bellevue Hall, the tennis area and the old barns before hiking the Greenway Trail to the historic horse track.

Bathrooms are available by the parking lot. No registration is required.

• Hike time: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• Welcome station: Arts Center Patio.

• Hike difficulty: Easy/moderate.

• Accessible? Gravel and pavement, rough in some places.

• Distance: 2 miles.

The afternoon hike at Bellevue takes hikers through the Arboretum and the Bellevue Woods Nature Preserve. No registration is required.

• Hike time: 2 to 3 p.m.

• Welcome station: Arts Center Patio.

• Hike difficulty: Moderate.

• Accessible? A mix of gravel, dirt, pavement, mowed grass and a narrow trail.

• Distance: 2.3 miles.

Brandywine Creek State Park

This guided hike will highlight the Hidden Pond Trail. Bathrooms are available at the Nature Center lot, Thompsons Bridge lot and Hawk Watch lot. No registration is required.

• Hike time: 1 to 3 p.m.

• Welcome station: Nature Center from 10 a.m. to 1: 30 p.m.

• Hike difficulty: Moderate.

• Accessible? The trail is rugged with narrow pathways and rocks and features steep hills.

• Distance: 2.2 miles.

The self-guided hike highlights the same route and does not require registration. Paper maps and the virtual nature center are available at the welcome station from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Brandywine Zoo

Why hike alone when you can have animal friends join? This hike takes guests through the zoo as an educator teaches them about the animals and easy ways to incorporate conservation into their lives.

Bathrooms are available throughout the zoo. Registration is required.

• Hike time: 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

• Hike difficulty: Easy.

• Accessible? Yes (paved trail).

• Distance: 1/10 of a mile.

Cape Henlopen State Park

This guided hike will teach participants about the Point. Parking will be limited, so carpool if you can. The hike is recommended for ages 7 and older with an adult.

Bathrooms are available at the Fishing Pier area. Registration is required.

• Hike time: 9 to 10:45 a.m.

• Welcome station: Point Comfort Station parking area.

• Hike difficulty: Moderate.

• Accessible? No, loose sand.

• Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The second hike offered will be a recreational trip around the Point. Registration is required.

• Hike time: 9 to 10:30 a.m.

• Welcome station: Point Comfort Station parking area.

• Hike difficulty: Moderate.

• Accessible? No, loose sand.

• Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The third hike will be a self-guided opportunity for visitors to explore other trails throughout the park. No registration is required.

• Hike time: 10 a.m. to noon.

• Welcome station: Nature Center from 10 a.m. to noon.

• Hike difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

• Accessible? Based on trail choice.

• Distance: Varies based on trail choice.

Delaware Seashore State Park

This self-guided hike offers views of the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Bay and a trip across the Indian River Inlet Bridge at sunset. There are no bathrooms available. No registration is required.

• Hike time: 3:30 to 5:15 p.m.

• Welcome station: Check in with park staff from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

• Hike difficulty: Easy.

• Accessible? Yes (paved).

• Distance: 1-mile round trip.

First State Heritage Park

This guided hike will take participants on one of the park’s signature guided tours around the historic Dover Green as a First State Heritage Park interpreter provides commentary. There are no bathrooms available. No registration is required.

• Hike time: 1 to 2 p.m.

• Welcome station: The John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green).

• Hike difficulty: Easy.

• Accessible? Cobblestone sidewalk that is generally level with some bumps and uneven spots.

• Distance: 1¼ mile.

The self-guided version of the guided hike runs all day long and allows hikers to tour the historic neighborhoods of Dover at their own pace. Tour booklets will be available in a mounted box beside the John Bell House. No registration is required.

Fork Branch Nature Preserve

This hike will shuttle participants to Fork Branch Nature Preserve for a relaxing walk along the 1-mile loop trail, featuring forests and wildlife views.

Bathrooms are available at the Fork Branch trailhead. Registration is required.

• Hike time: 10 to 11 a.m.

• Welcome station: Maple Dale Country Club.

• Hike difficulty: Easy.

• Accessible? The loop is on gravel substrate.

• Distance: 1 mile.

Fort DuPont State Park

This guided hike explores Fort DuPont’s trails and historic structures. There are no bathrooms available. Tickets will be sold on-site, but registering in advance is recommended.

• Hike time: 10 to 11 a.m.

• Hike difficulty: Easy.

• Welcome station: Parking lot at the end of Old Battery Lane and Wilmington Avenue.

• Accessible? Yes (paved).

• Distance: 1¼ mile.

Fort Miles Historical Area

This guided hike teaches participants about the weapons of World War II-era Fort Miles and is recommended for ages 7 and older with an adult. Bathrooms are available at check-in. Registration is required.

• Hike time: 9 to 9:45 a.m.

• Welcome station: Orientation Building in the Fort Miles Historic Area.

• Hike difficulty: Moderate.

• Accessible? No, loose sand.

• Distance: 1½ miles.

The second guided hike takes visitors through the area to learn more about Fort Miles and is recommended for ages 7 and older with an adult. Bathrooms are available. Registration is required.

• Hike time: 10 to 11 a.m.

• Welcome station: Fort Miles Trailhead of the Pinelands Nature Trail.

• Hike difficulty: Moderate.

• Accessible? No, loose sand.

• Distance: 1½ miles.

Fox Point State Park

This guided hike takes visitors along the Delaware River as naturalists help them explore the Riverview Trail. Bathrooms might be available. No registration is required.

• Hike time: 11 a.m. to noon.

• Welcome station: Main parking lot.

• Hike difficulty: Easy.

• Accessible? Yes, but the pavement is somewhat cracked and rough.

• Distance: 2 miles.

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Killens Pond State Park

This guided hike takes visitors through a portion of the Cross Country Course hiking trail. Bathrooms are available near Pavilion 1. No registration is required.

• Hike time: 1 to 2 p.m.

• Welcome station: Pavilion 1 at the sports complex area.

• Hike difficulty: Moderate.

• Accessible? Features a portion of the Cross Country Course hiking trail.

• Distance: 1½ miles.

Lums Pond State Park

This guided hike will explore the park’s forests before hiking along the pond. Bathrooms are available in the campground area. No registration is required.

• Hike time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.

• Welcome station: Lums Pond State Park Campground.

• Hike difficulty: Moderate.

• Accessible? A loop on parts of the Swamp Forest and Little Jersey trails.

• Distance: 2 miles.

Trap Pond State Park

This hike provides several educational stops along the American Holly Trail, but visitors are welcome to get a map and customize their own hike within the park. Bathrooms are available at the Baldcypress Nature Center. No registration is required.

• Hike time: 9:45 a.m. to noon.

• Welcome station: Baldcypress Nature Center.

• Hike difficulty: Easy.

• Accessible? Combination of hard stone dust path, tree roots and old roadbed with areas of sand.

• Distance: 1.1 miles.

White Clay Creek State Park

This group hike will be led by White Clay Creek staff. Bathrooms are available in the parking lot. No registration is required.

• Hike time: 10 to 11:15 a.m.

• Welcome station: Chambers House Nature Center

• Hike difficulty: Easy.

• Accessible? Stroller-friendly flat trail with portions of gravel and hard, packed dirt.

• Distance: 2.1-mile loop.

The second guided hike will offer the choice of either a 1-mile or 3-mile hike. Bathrooms are available in the parking lot. No registration is required.

• Hike time: 1 to 2 p.m.

• Welcome station: Carpenter Recreation Area.

• Hike difficulty: Moderate.

• Accessible? No.

• Distance: 1-mile or 3-mile loop.

The self-guided hike allows visitors to traverse the Tri-Valley trail while learning interesting facts along the way via QR code. Bathrooms are available at Smith Mill Road/Possum Hill parking lot. No registration is required.

• Hike time: All day.

• Welcome station: Possum Hill parking lot or Nine Foot Road parking lot.

• Hike difficulty: Easy/moderate.

• Accessible? Yes (paved trail).

• Distance: Varies based on trail choice.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com. 

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: How to participate in 2024 First Day Hikes in Delaware at state parks