Maryland State Parks offers hiking opportunities to kick off the New Year. First Day Hikes is part of a nationwide initiative to offer outdoor hiking opportunities on the first few days of the new year.
During the 2022 First Day Hike wknd, hikers logged 10,000+ miles in public lands all across Maryland. Almost 4,000 hikers participated in Ranger Led hikes, while another 1,000 enjoyed Self Guided hikes. Will you be joining us for a 2023 First Day Hike? https://t.co/LOlIfReJsy pic.twitter.com/QkiYU4hKqk
— Maryland State Parks (@MDStateParks) December 30, 2022
There are two types of hikes, ranger-led and self-guided hikes. Ranger-led hikes will have specific start times and may require pre-registration. Self-guided hikes are available on well marked trails. Park staff and volunteers may be available to assist residents starting their hike but will not be joining on the hike itself.
Montgomery County is home to two state parks—Seneca Creek and Patuxent River—both are participating in the First Day Hikes. Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg is offering a self-guided hike around the old pond loop trail. The 1 mile hike is rated easy and starts and ends at the Park office. It is a natural surface trail. Restrooms are available. The park is located at 11950 Clopper Road.
The Patuxent River State Park is located in both Montgomery and Howard Counties. Two First Day Hikes are taking place Sunday and both are led by park rangers.
The first hike starts at 10 a.m., is rated moderately difficult and is 3.5 miles long. Preregistration is recommended by contacting Patuxentriver.Statepark@maryland.gov. Hikers are to meet at the Patuxent River Nature Center which is located at 23222 Georgia Avenue in Brookeville.
The second hike is shorter, just 1.5 miles, and is considered an easy hike. This ranger-guided hike will depart at 1 p.m. Preregistration is recommended, again by contacting Patuxentriver.Statepark@maryland.gov.
More information is available on the Maryland State website.
