First day hikes planned across NJ to mark nation’s 250th birthday

Officials with the New Jersey State Parks service once again plan to ring in the new year with a statewide slate of free, guided First Day Hikes.

Hikes are scheduled across state parks, forests and historic sites, including locations connected to the Revolutionary War, with Jan. 1, 2026 marking the start of events tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The First Day Hikes, which drew thousands at the start of 2025, place added emphasis on sites that reflect the state’s role in the nation’s founding, Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said.

“More than ever, this year’s First Day Hikes are an opportunity to get outdoors and appreciate nature by visiting our parks and forests, some of which bore witness to the American Revolution and fight for freedom,” LaTourette said.

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“Spending time with family and friends while enjoying the beauty of our environment is one of the best ways to appreciate the diverse landscapes of New Jersey,” he said.

Several hikes are scheduled in North Jersey, including events in Passaic and Sussex counties.

At Wawayanda State Park, a slow to moderate 5.5-mile loop around Wawayanda Lake in Vernon is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1. The hike includes planned breaks and starts from the park entrance at 885 Warwick Turnpike.

About a dozen miles away, Ringwood State Park will host a self-guided First Day Hike through the New Jersey State Botanical Garden woodlands. The family-friendly hike runs from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.. There is an optional climb to the Mount Defiance overlook, weather permitting.

For those seeking a challenge, High Point State Park in Sussex County will host a 10 a.m. hike covering 6 miles. The first portion follows a rugged section of the Appalachian Trail, with the return using the Iris Trail.

NJ State Parks 250 Challenge

In addition to the Jan. 1 events, the Department of Environmental Protection is starting the new year by launching the State Parks 250 Challenge. The yearlong initiative encourages outdoor activity throughout 2026 and is designed to accommodate a range of interests and abilities, said Rebecca Fitzgerald, administrator for New Jersey State Parks.

“Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking to spend more time outdoors," she said, "you can explore New Jersey’s state parks, forests and historic sites while building healthy habits and celebrating this milestone year."

The challenge is broken down into five separate goals. The goals include logging 250 miles over the year, completing 25 miles, hiking 25 different trails or walking, running or biking 2.5 miles per week. A final goal calls for spending 25 minutes outdoors each week at New Jersey state parks, forests or historic sites.

Hikes highlight Revolutionary War history

Outside of North Jersey, the First Day Hike schedule includes themed programs highlighting Revolutionary history, cultural sites and distinctive landscapes. Batsto Village Historic Site alone will host three Revolutionary-era walking tours at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

Monmouth Battlefield State Park will host an 11 a.m. hike titled “Perrine Hill: Where Molly Pitcher Fought,” traversing sections of the battlefield where George Washington commanded Continental Army forces. Washington Crossing State Park, meanwhile, will offer a guided 2-mile hike beginning at 10 a.m. from the Nature Center.

A First Day Hike to Mt. Defiance at Ringwood State Park in Ringwood has become an annual tradition.

Other events include a 6 a.m. sunrise hike to the Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower in Woodland Township and a 1 p.m. climb at Twin Lights Historic Site in Highlands, where participants can walk up the lighthouse towers to mark the 250th anniversary.

John Cecil, assistant commissioner for state parks, forests and historic sites, said the program is intended to highlight the range of public lands across New Jersey. All First Day Hikes are free, though some require preregistration due to capacity limits. Participants are advised to dress for winter conditions and wear appropriate footwear.

A full list of more than two dozen scheduled hikes, including descriptions and registration information, is available at firstdayhikes.nj.gov.