First Day Hikes: get active on New Year’s with these trails

You can get 2024 off to a vigorous — or ambling — start by taking part in one of the annual free New Year’s Days hikes at Delaware parks.

They range from flat, easy courses to more challenging ones.

You can even bring your favorite mug to Rockwood Park on Monday, Jan. 1, and the museum staff will make you cocoa to drink as you hike its 2-mile easy-to-moderate paved paths around the historic estate.

Guides will lead visitors through stories of Rockwood’s architecture, gardens and unique landscape.

The park suggests you dress in layers and wear appropriate footwear, including two pairs of socks.

Meet at the courtyard and after the hike, take a self-guided tour of the season’s feature exhibition Visions of Sugarplums.

Please RSVP so the staff will know how much cocoa to make.

At 11 a.m., the museum offers sidewalk chalk and complimentary snacks and tea, coffee, cocoa or cider (RSVP, so they know how much to plan for). The hike starts at noon and will last about 45 minutes.

Rockwood Park & Museum is at 4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington

Here’s a list of what Delaware State Parks are planning. Some locations will have limited space and required pre-registration. Hikes — alone or in groups — are asked to check in at the Welcome Station to be counted

Last year more than 50,000 people took First Day Hikes. The parks recommend bringing water bottles, wearing sunscreen and wearing appropriate walking shoes.

Alapocas Run

10 a.m. to noon. Park naturalists will guide a hike along the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail. Space limited. Pre-registration required.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Accessible? Yes — Paved
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 3 miles round trip
• Bathrooms: Yes

Auburn Valley

10 am. to noon. 3-mile guided hike has limited space. Pre-registration is required. Additional details shared after registration is received.

• Hike Difficulty: Moderate
• Accessible? Parking lot is grass and stone but the trail is entirely paved and smooth. Some moderate grade elevations. Good for those with strollers or limited mobility issues.
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 3 miles round trip
• Bathrooms? Yes

Auburn Valley

Self-guided tours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at Welcome Station at Auburn Heights Mansion Event lot at 3000 Creek Road, Yorklyn.

Registration is not required.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Accessible? Parking lot is grass and stone but the trail is entirely paved and smooth. The Loop Trail has some moderate grade elevations but the Bridge Troll is largely flat. Great for strollers and limited mobility restrictions.
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash  and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 2-5 miles
• Bathrooms? Yes

Bellevue

9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Meet at the Arts Center Patio. No registration needed.

Stroll past Bellevue Hall, the tennis area and old barns, then take the Greenway Trail to the historic horse track.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Accessible? Gravel and pavement (rough in places)
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 2 miles
• Bathrooms? Yes

Bellevue

2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Meet at the Arts Center Patio. No registration required.

This hike will go through the Arboretum and the Bellevue Woods Nature Preserve.

• Hike Difficulty: Moderate
• Accessible? Gravel, dirt/earth, pavement, mowed grass. Narrow trail through the nature preserve.
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 2.3 miles
• Bathrooms? Yes

Brandywine Creek State Park

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Meet at the Nature Center. Check-in at the Welcome Station outside the Nature Center between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

No Registration Required.

Paper maps available at check-in as well as links to the virtual nature center which will have details for the interpretive self-guided walks.

• Hike Difficulty: Moderate
• Accessible? Trail is rugged with rocks and narrow pathways. Travels up and down steep hills.
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 2.2. miles
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Brandywine Creek State Park

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check-in at the Welcome Station outside the Nature Center between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 

This is a self-guided hike, and no registration is required.

Paper maps available at check-in as well as links to the virtual nature center which will have details for the interpretive self-guided walks.

• Hike Difficulty: Moderate
• Accessible? Trail is rugged with rocks and narrow pathways. Travels up and down steep hills.
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 2.2. miles
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Brandywine Zoo

10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.  Pre-registration is required.

Hike Time: 10:00AM to 10:45AM

Location: Provided with Registration.

Join one of the zoo’s educators for a free half-hour tour through the zoo to learn all about the animals, how they care for them and what you can do to make conservation a New Year’s Resolution you can keep. 

• Hike Difficulty: Easy
• Accessible? Yes- Paved
• Restrictions: Service animals only
• Length of hike: 1/10 of a mile
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Brandywine Zoo

11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Pre-registration is required. 

• Hike Difficulty: Easy
• Accessible? Yes- Paved
• Restrictions: Service animals only
• Length of hike: 1/10 of a mile
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Cape Henlopen

From 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Pre-registration is required.

Parking is limited so please carpool. Check in at the Point Comfort Station Parking Area.

The hike is for ages seven and older with an adult. 

Bathrooms are available at the Fishing Pier area.

• Hike Difficulty: Moderate
• Accessible? Not Accessible. Loose sand.
• Restrictions: Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Point Comfort Station Parking Area.
• Length of hike: 1.75 miles
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Cape Henlopen

9 a.m. to 19:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required.

Check in at the Point Comfort Station Parking Area.

• Hike Difficulty: Moderate
• Accessible? Not Accessible. Loose sand.
• Restrictions: Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Point Comfort Station Parking Area.
• Length of hike: 1.5 hours
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Cape Henlopen

10 a.m. to noon. No registration is required.

Explore another trail in the park and stop by in front of the Nature Center from 10 a.m. to noon to get a map and information on some of the park’s other trails.

Bathrooms are available at the Fishing Pier area.

This is a self-guided hike.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Accessible? Based on trail choice
• Restrictions: N/A
• Length of hike: Varies
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Delaware Seashore

3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Check-in with park staff at the welcome station from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., send off at 4:15 p.m.

Take in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Bay as you enjoy this self-guided hike over the iconic Indian River Inlet bridge at sunset.

There are no bathrooms available.

This is a self-guided hike, and no registration is required.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy
• Accessible? Paved
• Restrictions: N/A
• Length of hike: 1 mile round-trip, approximately 1 hour.
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

First State Heritage Park

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. No registration required.

Meet at the Welcome Station at The John Bell House Interpretive Center for a guided toura around the historic Dover Green with a knowledgeable First State Heritage Park interpreter.

There are no bathrooms available.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy
• Accessible? Cobblestone sidewalk, generally level with some bumps and uneven spots.
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 1/4 mile
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

First State Heritage Park

Hikes available all day through self-guided tours.

Self-guided tour booklets of Dover’s historic neighborhoods will be available on the mounted box beside the building, courtesy of the Friends of Old Dover.

There are no bathrooms available.

This is a self-guided hike, so no registration is required.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy
• Accessible? Cobblestone sidewalk, generally level with some bumps and uneven spots.
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 1/4 mile
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Fork Branch Nature Preserve

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Participants will park at the Maple Dale Country Club and then be shuttled to the preserve for a leisurely walk along the one-mile loop trail. 

Space is limited so pre-registration is required.

Portable toilet at the trailhead of the Fork Branch.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy
• Accessible? The hike will cover a 1-mile loop on gravel substrate, and while regular sneakers are suitable, we recommend hiking shoes for added comfort.
• Restrictions: Basic Nature Preserve restrictions apply, i.e. do not explore outside of the designated public areas. Pets need to be leashed.
• Length of hike: 1 mile
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Fort DuPont

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tickets for the hike are sold at the park. Pre-registration is recommended.

Experience both the beautiful natural environment and the historic structures that make this park unique. 

Hikers will meet at the parking lot at the end of Old Battery Lane/Wilmington Avenue.

There are no bathrooms available.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy
• Accessible? The trail is unpaved
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 1.1 miles
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Fort Miles Historical Area

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Meet at the Fort Miles Trailhead of the Pinelands Nature Trail. Follow signs for Fort Miles, parking is in the lot across from the Observation Tower.

Space is limited so pre-registration is required.

Bathrooms are available at check-in.

• Hike Difficulty: Moderate
• Accessible? Hike goes through loose sand
• Restrictions: No pets allowed
• Length of hike: 1.5 miles
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Fort Miles Historical Area

9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Pre-registration is required.

Enjoy a guided hike to learn more about the weapons of WWII era Fort Miles. For ages seven and older with an adult. 

Bathrooms are available at check-in.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy
• Accessible? Hike is on a paved surface
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: .25 miles
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Fox Point

11 a.m. to noon. No registration required.

Step into 2024 with a refreshing hike along the Delaware River. Meet at the main parking lot.

Portable toilets may be available.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy
• Accessible? Pavement (somewhat cracked and rough)
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 2 miles
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Killens Pond

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at Pavilion 1 at the Sports Complex Area. 

No registration required.

Bathrooms are available near Pavilion 1.

• Hike Difficulty: Moderate
• Accessible? Portion of Cross Country Trail
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 1.5 mile
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Lums Pond State Park

1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. No registration required.

Gather at the campground on the first day of the year for a guided hike in the forests and along the pond.

Restroom Facilities located in the campground.

• Hike Difficulty: Moderate
• Accessible? A loop on parts of the Swamp Forest and Little Jersey Trails
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 2 miles
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

Trap Pond State Park

9:45 a.m. to noon. No registration required.

Stop by the Baldcypress Nature Center to get directions and a map and to chat with park staff. 

Several educational stops will be found along the American Holly Trail or customize your own hike within the park.

Restrooms available at the Nature Center.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy
• Accessible? Hard Stone Dust Path for 1.0 miles. .1 mile of old roadbed with areas of sand and some tree roots.
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 1.1 mile
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

White Clay Creek

10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. No registration required.

Meet the staff at the Nature Center,

Restrooms available at the parking lot.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy
• Accessible? Gravel and hard packed dirt, flat trail
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people. Parking is limited, first come-first served.
• Length of hike: 2.1 mile loop
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

White Clay Creek

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. No registration required.

Meet at Carpenter Recreation Area. 

Restrooms available at the parking lot.

• Hike Difficulty: Moderate
• Accessible? Not accessible
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: 1 or 3 mile loop
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.

White Clay Creek

Hiking options available all day via self-guided routes. No registration required.

Check out the QR code for interesting facts along the Tri-Valley trail.

Start at either Possum Hill parking lot or Nine Foot Road parking lot. 

Restrooms at Smith Mill Parking Lot.

• Hike Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Accessible? Yes- Paved Trail
• Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6-foot leash (max) and good with large groups of people.
• Length of hike: Self-guided
• What to bring with you: Dress for the weather. Water bottle, appropriate walking shoes, and sun protection recommended.