First Day hikes are held annually in U.S. state parks to welcome the New Year.
This year, the Maryland Park Service will offer self-guided hike opportunities across the state from January 1-3, 2021. Trails will be open in Maryland state parks, state forests, and wildlife management areas.
This year, due to the pandemic and physical distancing guidance, hikes will be self-guided and park staff will not be leading the hikes.
First Day hikes in Maryland provide a variety of outdoor adventures and experiences for every level of hiker and walker.
Among those planning a hike will be Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio and Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford, continuing his commitment to visiting all Maryland state parks and other public lands by the time he leaves office. Lt. Governor Rutherford and the secretary kicked off 2020 with a hike at Patuxent River State Park.
“First Day Hikes are a wonderful tradition; they start the year off on the right foot with fresh air, exercise, and the appreciation and enjoyment of Maryland’s beautiful state parks and public lands,” said Lt. Governor Rutherford. “With all the challenges of the past year, participating in a socially-distant, self-guided First Day Hike and enjoying quality time outdoors is the perfect way to welcome 2021.”
On New Year’s Day 2020, a record 5,000 hikers logged more than 10,000 miles on trails in parks and public lands all across Maryland.
Maryland DNR urges hikers to follow Maryland State Parks guidelines for outdoor exercise and recreation to slow the spread of COVID-19, including keeping a 6-foot distance from anyone outside their household and wearing a face covering when in close proximity to others and when indoors. DNR states that anyone who is sick or has been sick over the past two weeks should stay home to recuperate.
After completing a 2021 First Day hike, hikers are asked to complete an online survey to track their hikes and how many miles they covered.
First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide event sponsored by America’s State Parks.
UPDATE:
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources estimates that 16,237 visitors took part in First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks during the three-day period from January 1-3, 2021.
Because there were no scheduled, staff-led hikes this year, State Parks were not able to calculate total miles hiked. A new DNR online survey indicated that 279 people voluntarily logged 966.5 miles.
source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
