America’s State Parks presents the largest single-day hiking event each year on Jan. 1 with participation from outdoor organizations across the U.S., including Delaware State Parks.

 

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will host 17 self-guided hikes throughout Delaware State Parks on Jan. 1 to ring in the new year. First Day Hikes is a national movement sponsored by America’s State Parks to encourage the celebration of fitness in the nation’s great outdoors.

There is no need to register for any of the hikes listed below, but participants are encouraged to stop by each hike’s check-in table between the times indicated to be counted as part of the nationwide initiative. While the hikes are self-guided, park staff will be available to answer questions. After the hike, participants are invited to fill out the feedback form at www.destateparks.com/firstday and record how many miles they covered.

Items hikers may want to bring along include comfortable hiking/walking shoes, a camera, a bottle of water, appropriate layers for the weather, a hat, sunglasses, a backpack and snacks. Dogs are allowed on the hiking trails, unless indicated otherwise below, and must be on a maximum 6-foot leash. Some hikes may require water-resistant shoes. Not all hiking trails are suitable for strollers.

Check out one of the following hikes to celebrate the new year at a Delaware state park:

• 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Auburn Valley State Park Yorklyn Bridge Trail and Auburn Valley Loop Trail. 2.8-mile loop. Moderate. Check in at the Park pavilion on Yorklyn Road.
• 10 a.m.-noon – Alapocas Run State Park Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, Wilmington. 2 miles one way. Easy/moderate difficulty. Accessible. Check in at the Blue Ball Barn, Courtyard Entrance.
• 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Brandywine Zoo pathway, Wilmington. .1 mile. Easy. Check in at the ticket window. Service animals allowed.
• 10 a.m.-noon – Fort DuPont State Park Riverview Trail, Delaware City. 1 mile. Easy. Check in at the Riverview Trail Trailhead.
• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Trap Pond State Park American Holly Loop to Bob Trail, Laurel. 1.1-mile loop. Easy/Moderate. Accessible. Check in at the Nature Center.
• 10 a.m.-noon – White Clay Creek State Park Tri-Valley Trail, Newark. 2.5 miles, out and back. Easy. Check in at the Smith Mill parking Lot.
• 11 a.m.-noon – The Point at Cape Henlopen, Lewes. 2 miles. Moderate. Ages 5 and older. Check in at The Point parking area. No pets allowed.
• 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – First State Heritage Park, Dover. 1 mile. Easy. Check in at the John Bell House.
• Noon-1 p.m. – Indian River Inlet Bridge, Delaware Seashore State Park, Rehoboth Beach. .75 miles. Check in at the North Inlet Day Area.
• Noon-4 p.m. – Lums Pond State Park Swamp Forest Trail/Little Jersey Trail, Bear. 2 miles. Easy. Little Jersey Trail is accessible. Check in at the Nature Center.
• 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Cape Henlopen State Park Fort Miles Artillery Park, Lewes .25 to 2 miles. Easy/moderate. Check in at the Orientation Building.
• 1-2 p.m. – Killens Pond State Park Bike Trail, Felton. 2 miles, with length option. Moderate. Accessible. Check in at Pavilion 1.
• 1-3 p.m. – Bellevue State Park Bellevue Trail, Wilmington. 1.12 miles. Easy. Check in at the top of main parking lot.
• 1-3 p.m. – Brandywine Creek State Park Meadows Trail, Wilmington. 2 miles. Easy/moderate. Check in outside the Nature Center.
• 1-3 p.m. – Lums Pond State Park Swamp Forest Trail, Bear. 6.4 miles. Easy. Check in at the Area 1 Pavilion.
• 1-3 p.m. – White Clay Creek State Park PennDel and Pomeroy trails, Newark. 2.29-mile loop. Easy. Pomeroy Trail is accessible. Check in at the Nature Center parking lot.
• 2-3 p.m. – Holts Landing State Park Sea Hawk Trail, Dagsboro. 1.3 miles. Easy. Accessible. Check in at the Holts picnic pavilion.

For more information about the Delaware State Parks First Day Hikes, go to https://destateparks.com/firstday or call 302-739-9220.

About DNREC

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov or Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov.

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DOVER – You don’t have to hibernate over the holidays this year if you get out and get moving in Delaware’s state parks. From “First Day Hikes,” to “Zoo Camp,” to “Stroller Rollers,” there is plenty to do and see in DNREC’s state parks over the winter break from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.

Children who love animals will be thrilled to attend Zoo Camp at the Brandywine Zoo on Dec. 27 and 28. During “Winter Wonders” half day camp, kids will find out all how animals survive during the winter– which ones stay awake, and those who sleep. On Dec. 28, the “Zoo Crew” can spend a half-day learning what it’s like to be a zookeeper. For more information about Zoo Camp, including programs, ages, fees, and registration visit https://BrandywineZoo.org/Camps.

Start your new year off right taking a “First Day Hike.” As a family, or on your own, experience the newest trail at Delaware’s newest state park, Auburn Heights State Park in Yorklyn, or take a “Stories of the Green Walking Tour,” at First State Heritage Park, or learn about “the Point,” the northeastern tip of Cape Henlopen State Park. Numerous other “First Day Hike” opportunities are offered in 10 other state parks throughout the state. For specific times and parks, visit https://www.destateparks.com/Programs or call: 302-739-9200.

Bellevue State Park is a haven paved with paths and lots of areas to explore nature with your toddlers, perfect for strollers, so enjoy “Stroller Rollers,” designed for children 12 months to three years old. Be introduced to the wonders of nature and expand your child’s cognitive and interactive skills as you venture through the park and learn how you, as parents, can facilitate early learning experiences to teach an appreciation of nature.

Attend the “Winter Break Out: Who Let the Snakes Out?” at Killens Pond State Park, and find out how park staff care for the amphibians and reptiles at the park’s Nature Center. Create some favorite meals to help our feathered friends throughout the winter at Cape Henlopen State Park during “Holiday for the Birds.” If you’ve picked up a few pounds during the holidays,“Walk It Off” at Bellevue State Park on Monday mornings. Information and charts to track your progress are available.

For more information about these and all of the many other programs going on in Delaware’s state parks over the holidays, visit https://www.destateparks.com/Programs or call: 302-739-9200.

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 334