Take a hike: Start 2023 off on the right foot at these Delaware parks
Maybe you want to break in a new pair of sneakers or that Fitbit that Santa left under the tree.
Perhaps you spent too much time indoors baking and wrapping and need to see the sky, or it was a tough year, and fresh air and forest bathing are in order.
Or maybe you just need to work off a few too many butter boards and Old Fashioneds.
Whatever the reason, a First Hike is one of the best ways to kick off a brand-spanking, still-wet-behind-the-ears new year.
Walking is good for you, as is fresh air. And with so much hiding from the cold indoors lately, we could all use a little natural vitamin D.
So give that TikTok wormhole and "White Lotus'' binge watch a rest and read on:
More:Walk this way: 6 places to hike, soak up history, see autumn leaves and maybe a few ghosts
New Year, new view
First Hikes happen all over the country on New Year’s Day.
These self-guided hikes (or walks if you want less pressure) take place in all 50 states (and throughout Delaware) and are promoted by the U.S. parks system.
According to the Delaware State Park website, more than 50,000 people took part in First Hikes nationwide on New Year’s Day 2022.
First Hikes kicked off in 1992 in Massachusetts. They became a national promotion in 2012, sponsored by the America's State Parks alliance.
First State, First Hikes
State parks in Delaware are hoping to host families bright and early (or not so early) on New Year’s Day.
The parks listed below will offer at least one self-guided hike, and in some cases, you’ll have options, according to the state park website.
“Each park will also have a welcome station, where you can check in to be counted for this event and pick up your First Day Hike sticker or magnet (while supplies last),’’ according to the website.
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Hiking solo? If you’d like to share your adventure with a group, parks also offer “a send-off time, where you can gather with other hikers for a group photo and welcome message.’’
Some guided hikes are also available.
According to the park service, “This program challenges you to explore significant park sites and get involved in programming opportunities to win an annual pass and awesome Delaware State Parks swag,’’ according to promotions for First Hike.
Jan. 1 First Hike locations
The Delaware State Parks system is offering 16 First Hikes hikes. (Be sure to visit the website before heading out for any last-minute updates, especially in bad weather.)
Before heading out, be sure to check the weather and dress accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes, be respectful of the park and its inhabitants, and remember to bring along some water to rehydrate.
Also, check the website to see which hikes are pet-friendly and how to get additional questions addressed.
Alapocas Run State Park
Welcome station: Blue Ball Barn courtyard.
Check-in: 10 a.m. to noon
Send-off (to meet up with others): 10 a.m.
Hike difficulty: Easy to moderate
Accessible? Yes (paved)
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Bellevue State Park
Welcome station: Top of Main parking lot
Check-in: 1 to 3 p.m.
Send-off: 1 p.m.
Hike difficulty: Easy
Accessible? Yes (paved)
Distance: 2.5 miles round trip
Brandywine Creek State Park
Check-in: Arrive at 9:45 or 10:45 a.m.
Welcome station: Zoo ticket window
Hike difficulty: Easy
Accessible? Yes (paved)
Distance: 0.1 of a mile
Brandywine Zoo
Check-in: Arrive at 9:45 or 10:45 a.m.
Welcome station: Zoo ticket window
Hike difficulty: Easy
Accessible? Yes (paved)
Distance: 0.1 of a mile
Cape Henlopen State Park
Check-in: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Welcome station: The Point Overlook
Hike difficulty: Moderate
Accessible? No
Distance: 2 miles
Delaware Seashore State Park
Check-in: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Welcome station: North Inlet Day Area parking lot (southeast corner)
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Accessible? Yes (paved)
Distance: 1-mile round trip
First State Heritage Park
Check-in: Noon to 1 p.m.
Welcome station: John Bell House Interpretive Center (43 The Green)
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Accessible? Cobblestone sidewalk
Distance: 0.25 mile
Fort DuPont State Park
Check-in: 9 to 10 a.m.
Welcome station: Parking lot at the end of Old Battery Lane/Wilmington Avenue
Hike difficulty: Easy
Accessible? Riverview Trail, partially accessible
Distance: 0.7 miles
Fort Miles Historical Area
Check-in: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Welcome station: Artillery Park
Hike difficulty: Artillery Park, easy; Pinelands Trail, moderate
Accessible? Artillery Park, yes; Pinelands Trail, no
Distance: Artillery Park, 0.25 miles; Pinelands Trail, 1.5 miles
Holts Landing State Park
Check-in: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Welcome station: Picnic Pavilion
Hike difficulty: Easy
Accessible? Crushed stone and boardwalk surfaces
Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
Killens Pond State Park
Check-in: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Welcome station: Sports Complex parking lot
Hike difficulty: Bike Trail, easy; cross country trail, moderate
Accessible? Bike trail, yes; cross-country trail, no
Distance: Bike trail, 1.5 miles; cross-country trail, 1.5 miles
Lums Pond State Park
Check-in: 10 a.m. to noon
Welcome station: Campground Stage
Hike difficulty: Moderate
Accessible? No
Distance: 2 miles
Trap Pond State Park
Check-in: 9:45 a.m. to noon
Welcome station: Baldcypress Nature Center
Hike difficulty: Easy to moderate
Accessible? Well-packed gravel pathways. Fully accessible nature center.
Distance: 1.1 miles round trip
White Clay Creek State Park
Check-in: 9:30 to 10 a.m.
Welcome station: Possum Hill parking lot
A group hike will be led by park staff and members of the Friends of White Clay Creek State Park starting at 10 a.m. Self-guided option is also available.
Hike difficulty: Moderate
Accessible? Hard-packed dirt, stone and paved surface
Length of hike: Approximately 3.5 miles loop
White Clay Creek State Park
Check-in: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Welcome station: Possum Hill parking lot
Hike difficulty: Easy
Accessible? Yes (paved)
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: 15 First Hikes to take on New Year's Day in Delaware
