By ALISON MITCHELL
Executive Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation
Nothing says “fresh start” like a good walk outside.
While the rest of the world is negotiating with their alarm clocks, hundreds of New Jersey hikers will venture into parks and preserves this New Year’s Day to join in First Day Hikes around the state. It’s the perfect antidote to holiday indulgence and a fun way to kick off 2026.
The real magic of First Day Hikes is in the outdoor camaraderie: friends and strangers coming together, taking in the brisk winter air, drinking hot cocoa. Whether you’re joining a ranger-led walk or dragging your friends out of bed for an informal stroll with promises of post-hike bagels, stepping into nature can cultivate a shared sense of goodwill for the new year.
There are lots of options. The American Littoral Society has for years been hosting its First Day Walk to the end of Sandy Hook at Gateway National Recreation Area in Monmouth County. It offers warm refreshments after a hike through holly trees and shell-covered shorelines. Register here: https://www.littoralsociety.org/new-years-walk-sandy-hook.html
Liberty State Park will host a New Year’s Day sunrise birding and wildlife habitat tour of the Hudson River Estuary – no experience necessary. The park will even provide binoculars. There will also be a walk later in the morning that will include interactive art programs, wildlife scavenger hunts and free hot cocoa. Participants will explore the shoreline of the Upper New York Bay, with unique views of the Statue of Liberty and New York skyline. Register for both hikes here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/Ny0XEfqtQd
You can also join the folks at Double Trouble State Park in Bayville, Ocean County, for a leisurely one- to two-mile journey along the 1.5-mile Mill Pond Trail. You’ll explore the picturesque clear waters of Cedar Creek and finish with a walk through the historic village. There’s limited space, so its best to register early at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discover-double-trouble-first-day-hike-01012026-tickets-1971306012349.
Looking for a longer jaunt? Join a group of hikers as they travel along the D&R Canal State Park. Starting north of Lambertville in Hunterdon County, participants will head downtown and further south to the canal’s historic lift and outlet locks before turning around. Registration isn’t required but be prepared for a consistent 2.5-hour walk. The event is weather-dependent; stay up to date at https://dandrcanal.org/programs#FirstDay26
Why not explore Perrine Hill? It’s the location of the largest full artillery duel of the American Revolution, with the Friends of Monmouth Battlefield at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan. This special tour is a fun way to learn some Jersey history. Visit https://visitnj.org/nj-events/monmouth-battlefield-special-battlefield-event-first-day-hike
Hikers can also join the folks at Black Run Preserve for a rejuvenating 2-to-3-mile First Day Hike through the scenic trails of the preserve, where fresh air, quiet woods and the charm of the Pine Barrens are sure to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the New Year. Register at https://blackrun.org/events-2/?eid=12537
Further north, the Land Conservancy of New Jersey will host a hike at its South Branch Preserve South in Long Valley to show visitors some less-traveled, beautiful areas. RSVP at https://www.tlc-nj.org/events/first-day-hike-2026
Every event is free, great news for anyone whose resolution is to spend less money. Even if you’re not making formal promises to yourself this year, a little sun and a stretch of trail can do wonders for your peace of mind. Kick off 2026 with a little beauty and gratitude for New Jersey’s outdoors.
For more information about preserving land and natural resources in the state, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website at www.njconservation.org or contact me at info@njconservation.org.
