Maryland State Park First Day Hikes Set For Jan. 1, 2019: List

If your New Year's resolution is to be healthier, you can head to any of Maryland's 32 state parks on Jan. 1 for a First Day Hike. The Maryland Park Service will offer more than three dozen hikes on more than 30 state lands and parks, as part of a nationwide event sponsored by America’s State Parks.

The hikes offer experiences for various levels of hiker and walker. Many hikes are even pet-friendly, and a few trails are suited for strollers; be sure to check ahead of time.

Numerous parks, state forests and wildlife management areas will also be open Jan. 1 for self-guided treks, the Department of Natural Resources said in a press release.

“2019 will be an exciting year as we continue to create, enhance and maintain public access and recreation opportunities throughout the state,” Maryland Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said in the news release. “I urge everyone to kick it off with a resolution to join us in Maryland’s great outdoors.”

In 2018, despite frigid temperatures, New Year’s Day saw 1,227 people hike 2,535 miles in Maryland. For 2019, parks will again distribute “I Hiked” stickers to First Day Hike participants.

Here's the list of hikes from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources:

Assateague State Park: Ilia Fehrer / Judy Johnson Memorial Beach Walk

Worcester County
Time of Event: 1 p.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at the Assateague State Park concession building- 7307 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, MD 21811
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families of all ages. Opportunities available for self-guided hike or group hike along the beach toward the north end of the island.
Length of Trail: One mile round trip

Calvert Cliffs State Park: New Year’s Fossil Hike

Calvert County
Time of Event: 10 a.m.
Meeting Location: Calvert Cliffs State Park, next to the bathhouse- 10540 H. G. Trueman Road
Lusby, Maryland
Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for families
Length of Hike: 3.6 miles (round-trip). Hike will last approximately 2 hours
RSVP: Participants are encouraged to register via email to CalvertCliffs.StatePark@Maryland.gov or to call Calvert Cliffs State Park at 443-975-4360

Cedarville State Forest: A Winter Hike in the Forest

Prince George’s County
Time(s) of Event: 1 p.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at Playground, Parking in Pavilion Two Lot- 10201 Bee Oak Road
Brandywine, MD 20613
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families.
Length of Hike: 2 mile loop on the Orange Trail, will last approximately 1.5 hours.
RSVP: Call Cedarville State Forest for more information: 301-888-1410

Chapman State Park: Twenty Five Pounds Lighter!

Charles County
Time(s) of Event: 2pm-4pm
Meeting Location: Meet at Mt. Aventine Mansion
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Length of Hike: approximate round trip distance of 2 miles
RSVP: (301) 743-7613 or catherine.donley@maryland.gov

Cunningham Falls State Park: Self-Guided First Day Hike

Frederick County
Time of Event: Available All Day- choose a good time that works for you!
Meeting Location: Lower Falls Trail Parking Lot, 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road Thurmont MD 21788
Degree of Difficulty: Lower Falls Trail: Easy, Cliff Trail: Moderate
Length of Hike: 1 mile, round trip

Cunningham Falls State Park: Cat Rock Guided Hike

Frederick County
Time of Event: 1:00 PM
Meeting Location: Cat Rock Parking Lot, 6571 Foxville Road Thurmont MD 21788
Degree of Difficulty: Difficult
Length of Hike: 3 miles, round trip
RSVP: (301) 712-6964 by Dec. 31

Dans Mountain State Park: First Day Hike

Allegany County
Time of Event: 11 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at Hill Run Pavilion on Water Station Run Road
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate hike for families. No Strollers
Length of Trail: 1 mile
RSVP: Call New Germany State Park at 301-895-5453 for information

Deep Creek Lake State Park: Beckman's Trail Hike

Garrett County
Time of Event: 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Meeting Location: Discovery Center, 969 State Park Road, Swanton, MD 21561
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate walking, not stroller friendly; bring snowshoes if you have them.
Length of Hike: Approximately 2 miles round trip
RSVP: Discovery Center (301) 387-7067 or Will Williams at willie.williams@maryland.gov.

Elk Neck State Park First Day Hike: White Clay Cliffs!

Cecil County
Time of Event: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Meeting Location: Mauldin Mountain Parking Lot- 4395 Turkey Point Rd., North East, MD 21901
Degree of Difficulty: Medium to Difficult hike, rolling hills and steep incline on the return.
Length of Hike: Approximate round trip distance of 2 miles
RSVP: 410-287-5333

Fair Hill NRMA: Five Miles of Charming Fair Hill

Cecil County
Time of Event: 11:00 AM
Meeting Location: North Appleton (Lot #3): 2941 Appleton Road, Elkton, MD 21921
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Length of Hike: Approximately 5 miles
RSVP: Call Fair Hill NRMA at 410-398-1246 to register or contact Katlin Drussel at katlin.drussel@maryland.gov

Fort Frederick State Park: Vistas of Fort Frederick

Washington County
Time of Event: 11:00 a.m.
Meeting Location: Fort Frederick Visitor Center- 1100 Fort Frederick Rd. Big Pool, MD 21711
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate hike for families
Length of Hike: approximate round trip 3 miles
RSVP: 301-842-2155

Gambrill State Park: Gambrill Overlook Guided Sunset Hike

Frederick County
Time of Event: 4:15 PM
Meeting Location: Gambrill Nature Center, 8448 High Knob Road Frederick MD 21702
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Length of Hike: Approximately 2 miles, round trip.
RSVP: No pre-registration required. Call (301) 712-6964 by Dec. 31 for additional information.

Gunpowder Falls State Park: First Day Hike at the Historic Jerusalem Mill Village

Baltimore County
Time(s) of Events: 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Meeting Location: Street Address: 2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville, MD 21087. Meet in the Meadow between the Blacksmith Shop and the river.
Degree of Difficulty: Easy-to-moderate difficulty.
Length of Hike: Approximately 2.5-miles roundtrip (~1 hour).
RSVP: Pre-registration recommended, but not mandatory. Contact Ranger Andrea Townsley-Sapp at andrea.townsley-sapp@maryland.gov

Gunpowder Falls State Park: First Day Hike at Sweet Air

Baltimore & Harford Counties
Time of Event: 8 a.m.
Meeting Location: Street Address: 2840 Dalton Bevard Rd, Baldwin, MD 21013. Meet in the parking lot by the large bulletin board.
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate difficulty.
Length of Hike: Approximately 3-miles roundtrip (~1.5 hours).
RSVP: Pre-registration recommended, but not mandatory. Contact Ranger Andrea Townsley-Sapp at andrea.townsley-sapp@maryland.gov

Greenbrier State Park: A Winter Hike around the Lake

Washington County
Time of Event: Self-guided First Day Hike available from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.; Ranger led-hike at 11 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at the Greenbrier Visitor Center
Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike
Length of Hike: Approximately 1.5 miles
Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking, and a camera (optional).
RSVP: Reservations are recommended. Call Greenbrier State Park at 301-791-4767

Greenwell State Park: First Day Hike

St. Mary’s County
Time of Event: 11 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at the pavilion at Greenwell State Park 25420 Rosedale Manor Lane, Hollywood MD 20636
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate hike for families
Length of Hike: Approximately 1.5 miles
RSVP: 301-872-5688 or email pointlookout.statepark@maryland.gov

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park: First Day Hikes in Tubman Country

Dorchester County
Times of Events: 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Meeting Location: The lobby of the Visitor Center- Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park & Visitor Center 4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, MD 21622
Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for families
Length of Hike: Approximately 1.5 miles
RSVP: Registration is required and space is available on a first come, first serve basis. Please e-mail Ranger Angela Crenshaw (angela.crenshaw@maryland.gov) to register and for information about the event. Call 410-221-2290 if you have any questions.
Additional Information:
10:00 a.m Hike: Join Rangers for a hike on the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge's Wildlife Drive along the Blackwater River and see snow geese, tundra swans and other wildlife native to South Dorchester County. The wildlife drive is flat and paved. Dogs are not permitted in the refuge.
1:30 p.m. Hike: Explore the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and learn about Jacob Jackson’s role in Tubman’s emancipation of her brothers on a hike with Rangers. The trail is flat and natural and the area is undeveloped. Dogs are not permitted. Staff will transport guests to the location, registration is required as space is limited.

Herrington Manor State Park: First Day Hike

Garrett County
Time of Event: 1 p.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at the Herrington Manor Ranger Station (222 Herrington Lane, Oakland MD 21550)
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families.
Length of Trail: Approximately 1 mile
RSVP: Call Herrington Manor State Park at 301-334-9180 for information

Janes Island State Park: First Day Hike

Somerset County
Time of Event: 9 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at the camper registration parking lot
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families.
Length of Trail: Approximately 3 miles
RSVP: Call Janes Island State Park at 410-968-1565 for information

Martinak State Park: Tree Huggers Hike

Caroline County
Time of Event: 2 p.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at Martinak Nature Center
Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for families
Length of Hike: approximate round trip distance of 1 mile
RSVP: 410-820-1668 or tuckahoe.statepark@maryland.gov

Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary: Pups in the Park First Day Hike

Prince George’s County
Time of Event: 10 a.m.
Meeting Location: Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, Visitor’s Center
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length of Trail: 3.5 miles. Hike will last approximately 2 hours
RSVP: Families are encouraged to call Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary at 443-510-9920 to register, or contact Kyle Prinkey at kyle.prinkey@maryland.gov

New Germany State Park: Community Heritage at New Germany

Garrett County
Time of Event: 3 p.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at New Germany Lake House (403 McAndrews Hill Road)
Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for families.
Length of Trail: Approximately 1 mile Orchard loop
RSVP: Call New Germany State Park at 301-895-5453 for information

North Point State Park: First Day Hike at North Point State Park

Baltimore County
Time of Event: 11 a.m.
Meeting Location: Street Address: 8400 North Point Road, Edgemere, MD 21219. Meet in Parking Lot A (just beyond the Contact Station to the left).
Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for families
Length of Hike: Approximately 2-miles roundtrip (~1.5 hours)
RSVP: Pre-registration recommended, but not mandatory. Contact Ranger Andrea Townsley-Sapp at andrea.townsley-sapp@maryland.gov

Patapsco Valley State Park: Cascade Falls at Avalon

Baltimore County
Time of Event: 9:00 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at Shelter 106 in the Orange Grove Area
Degree of Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
Length of Trail: The hike is about 2 miles, which will take approximately 2 hours.
RSVP: Call Patapsco Valley State Park Headquarters at 410-461-5005 to RSVP.

Patapsco Valley State Park: Morning Start at McKeldin

Carroll County
Time of Event: 11:00 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at Shelter 501 at the McKeldin Area- 11676 Marriottsville Road
Marriottsville, MD 21104
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate
Length of Trail: The hike is about 2.5 miles, which will take approximately 2 hours.
RSVP: Reservations are not necessary. Call Patapsco Valley State Park Headquarters at 410-461-5005 for any further questions!

Patapsco Valley State Park: Old Mainline Trail at Daniels

Howard County
Time of Event: 2:00 PM
Meeting Location: Parking Lot near the Daniels Dam - 2090 Daniels Road. Ellicott City, MD 21043
Degree of Difficulty: Easy
Length of Hike: 3 Miles
RSVP: Volunteer Ranger Max Buffington at maxbuffington@gmail.com

Patuxent River State Park: First Day on the Flowing Free

Howard and Montgomery Counties
Time of Event: 2 pm
Meeting Location: Patuxent Nature Center (23222 Georgia Avenue, Brookville, MD 20833)
Difficulty: Easy
Length: Approximately 2-mile roundtrip hike
RSVP: Call us at 443-962-0216 or email at PatuxentRiver.StatePark@maryland.gov

Pocomoke River State Park: Self-Guided First Day Hike on the Trail of Change

Time of Event: Available All Day- choose a good time during daylight hours that works for you!
Meeting Location: Shad Landing Marina parking lot, 3461 Worcester Highway, Snow Hill, MD 21863
Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for all ages
Length of Trail: 1 mile, round trip

Rocks State Park: Winter Rocks Spectacular

Harford County
Time of Event: 11:30 a.m.
Meeting Location: Wilson's Picnic Pavilion - 3805 St. Clair Bridge Road, Jarrettsville, Md 21084
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate for families
Length of Trail: 1 miles round trip
RSVP: Families are encouraged to call Rocks State Park at 410-557-7994 to register

Rocky Gap State Park: Following a Settler's Footsteps- Finding your Path in 2019

Allegany County
Time of Event: 11 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at the Nature Center in the Rocky Gap State Park Campground (17400 Campers Hill Drive, Flintstone, MD 21530)
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate to challenging hike for families due to the length of the hike, natural surface trail tread and a short steep section
Length of Hike: A looped hike approximately 3 miles
RSVP: Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at 301-722-1480

Sandy Point State Park: Sandy Point’s First Day Hike

Anne Arundel County
Time of Events: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at Sandy Point Maintenance Shop, 1100 E. College Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21409
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate hike for all ages
Length of Hike: approximate round trip distance of 3.2 miles
RSVP: 410-974-2149 or claudia.padilla@maryland.gov

Seneca Creek State Park: First Day Seneca Creek Hike

Montgomery County
Time of Event: 10 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at Nuthatch Pavilion- 11950 Clopper Road. Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate hike.
Length of Hike: Round trip is approximately 2 miles.
RSVP: Call (301) - 924-2127 or email SCSPNaturalist@gmail.com for more info.

Soldiers Delight NEA: Afternoon Stroll at Soldiers Delight

Baltimore County
Time of Event: 1 pm.
Meeting Location: Meet at the Soldiers Delight Visitor Center
Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for families
Length of Trail: The hike is about 1 mile which will take approximately 1 hour.
RSVP: Reservations are not necessary. Call Patapsco Valley State Park Headquarters at 410-461-5005 for any further questions.

South Mountain State Battlefield: Following the Footsteps of Civil War Soldiers

Washington County
Time of Event: 1 p.m.
Meeting Location: Appalachian Trail Parking Lot adjacent to the Old South Mountain Inn (6132 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713)
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for all ages
Length of Hike: 2 miles round trip
RSVP: Call Greenbrier State Park at 301-791-4767 to register

Susquehanna State Park: Explore the Greenway

Harford County
Time of Event: 11 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at Fisherman's Park below the Conowingo Dam (2569 Shures Landing Road, Darlington MD 21034)
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate hike for families
Length of Trail: 2 miles round trip
RSVP: Families are encouraged to call Susquehanna State Park at 410-557-7994 to register

Tuckahoe State Park: Macros on the Move!

Caroline County
Time of Event: 11 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at the Tuckahoe Lake Pavilion (13187 Crouse Mill Road, Ridgely, MD 21660)
Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for families
Length of Hike: approximate round trip distance of 2 miles
RSVP: 410-820-1668 or tuckahoe.statepark@maryland.gov

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Image via Google Maps of Patapsco State Park