The MD DNR invites everyone to kick off the new year with an invigorating First Day Hike at a nearby state park. Rangers, staff and volunteers will host 29 guided hikes at 27 state parks across the state.
From bird watching to historical presentations and programs, each park will host its own unique adventure at varying skill levels and times. A few locations even host pet-friendly treks.
According to the
MD DNR, a record-breaking 2,177 people spent the first day of 2016 participating in a First Day Hike in Maryland with participants logging a total of 4,531 miles. Participants are encouraged to log their adventures on social media using the hashtags #FirstDayHike or #FirstDayHikes.
Maryland First Day Hikes:
- Assateague State Park, Berlin
- Cedarville State Forest, Brandywine
- Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont
- Dan's Mountain State Park, Lonaconing
- Elk Neck State Park, North East
- Fair Hill NRMA, Elkton
- Fort Frederick State Park, Big Pool
- Gambrill State Park, Frederick
- Greenbrier State Park, Boonsboro
- Gunpowder Falls State Park (Jerusalem Mill), Kingsville
- Janes Island State Park, Crisfield
- Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, Upper Marlboro
- New Germany State Park, Grantsville
- North Point State Park, Edgemere
- Patapsco Valley State Park (Orange Grove and Cascade Falls), Ellicott City
- Patapsco Valley State Park (McKeldin Hike), Ellicott City
- Pocomoke River State Park, Pocomoke City
- Rocks State Park, Jarrettsville
- Rocky Gap State Park, Flintstone
- Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis
- Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg
- Smallwood State Park, Marbury
- Soldiers Delight NEA (Sunrise Hike), Owings Mills
- Soldiers Delight NEA (Winter History Hike), Owings Mills
- St. Mary's River State Park, Leonardtown
- Susquehanna State Park, Havre de Grace
- Swallow Falls State Park, Oakland
- Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden, Annapolis
- Gunpowder Falls State Park (Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail), Cockeysville
For more info on each event, including meeting place and time, degree of difficulty, and RSVP info, click to
dnr.maryland.gov.
https://youtu.be/TdP0-VG0C48