New Year’s Day First Day Hikes on Delmarva

December 26, 2025/Mari Lou

Start the New Year off with First Day Hikes on January 1st. There are multiple locations where you can take a First Day Hike in both Delaware and Maryland – most hikes average 1 to 2.5 miles. You have your choice of self-guided hikes or ranger-led hikes. This is part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities on the first day of the new year. The hikes are free – but some do require pre-registration and are limited in the number of hikers.

Delaware – First Day Hikes
Information – https://www.destateparks.com/first-day-hikes/
Fort Miles/Lewes – self-guided History Hikes 9a to 1p
9:30-10:30am – History in the Pinelands
11a – 12pm – The Guns of Fort Miles
1pm – The Seaside

Trap Pond/Laurel – 7:30-8:30a – limited to 25 registrants

Killens Pond/ Felton – 1-2:30pm – dogs allowed – must be on leash

 

Maryland – First Day Hikes
Information – https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/firstdayhikes.aspx
You are welcome to take a First Day Hike on any trail or at any State Park on January 1.

Caroline County
Martinak State Park/Denton – 8a – sunset – self-guided

Tuckahoe State Park/Queen Anne’s – 10am – Ride & Shine 2026 – Ranger-led hike – Tuckahoe State Park Office
10am – Choose your Challenge Hike! – Ranger-led Hike – Cemetary Rd Parking Lot
7a – sunset – The Sensory Trail on the Lore of the Land Trail – Self-Guided Hike – 13450 Cherry Lane Ridgely MD

 

Dorchester County
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park/Church Creek
10am – Tubman Country First Day Hike​ – Ranger-led Hike – Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center

 

Somerset County
Janes Island State Park/Crisfield
8am – sunset – Whitetail Trail/Janes Island Bulkhead – ​ Self-Guided Hike
4pm – First Day​ Sunset Hike – Ranger-led Hike – Janes Island State Park Nature Center

 

Talbot County
Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park/Trappe
7am – 4:55pm – Choptank River Trail – Self-Guided Hike

 

Worcester County
Assateague State Park/Berlin
10am – Assateague Beach Hike – All ages – Ranger-led Hike​ – Day-Use boardwalk
11am – Assateague Beach Hike – Family friendly – Ranger-led Hike​ – Day-Use boardwalk
7am – sunset (staffed 10-2p) – Rackliffe Trail – Self-Guided Hike

Pocomoke River State Park/Snow Hill
First Day Hike – Self-Guided Hike

 

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