Want a fresh and peaceful start to 2026? Get outdoors on New Year’s Day with a First Day Hike—guided free hikes in New Jersey state parks, forests, and historical sites for all ages. Scroll down for the First Day Hikes in NJ happening this year, then bundle up the family, grab your water bottles, and get going—with the fresh air and good vibes, it’s the best way to start 2026. And for more hikes around NJ, check out our guide for the best hiking trails. (featured photo credit: iStock/Solovyova)

Start The Year Off Right With One Of These First Day Hikes In NJ

Northern NJ

High Point “First Day Challenge” Hike
This hike reaches the highest point in NJ, and many mountain ridges offer 360-degree views. This is more strenuous for ages 12 and up.
Registration is required. Meeting Location: Appalachian Trail parking lot – Route 23, Montague, NJ 12771

Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee 41st Annual New Year’s Day Hike
This 4-5 mile hike is for the whole family. This moderate walk is open to all families, provided children are accompanied by a responsible adult.
 Registration is required. Meeting Location: 1 Footbridge Lane, Blairstown, NJ 07825

First Day Hike to Caven Point Beach 
Go for a 3-mile, leisurely hike to Caven Point Beach, where you can explore Caven Point’s urban and natural shorelines. Make sure you take in the breathtaking views of the harbor.
Meeting Location: Liberty State Park -200 Morris Pesin Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305

First Day “Walk on the Wild Side” 
Head out on this 3-mile social walk on relatively flat, scenic trails through the park. After that, stop for some hot chocolate to warm up at the visitor center.
Meeting Location: Kittatinny Valley State Park, 199 Goodale Road, Newton, NJ 07860

First Day Hike 
Take a self-guided hike in the woodlands at the NJ State Botanical Garden, where you can climb to Mt. Defiance overlook and return. This is about a 90-minute hike.
Meeting Location: 5 Morris Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456

Central NJ

First Day Wildlife Beach Walk 
Connect with nature as the New Year begins and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds around Sandy Hook Bay. If you’re lucky, there might even be a seal or two.
Registration required. Meeting Location: Sandy Hook Beach, Parking Area C, Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732

Princeton Nursery Lands First Day Hike
Take an easy 1.5-mile hike through the Mapleton Preserve. Make sure to stay for hot cocoa afterward. Children are welcome with adults. 
Meeting Location: Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park Office – 145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ 08540

New Year’s Day Beach Hike – Seaside Park
A bonfire and s’mores are at the end of this First Day Hike around Island Beach State Park. This easy hike is open to all ages. 
Registration is required. Meeting Location: Island Beach State Park, 2207 SW Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ 08752, Pavilion at Swimming Area 1

First Day Battlefield Walk
Learn about this Revolutionary War battle spot while traversing the first hike of 2026. This moderate hike is open to ages 10 and up. 
Registration required. Meeting Location: Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitor Center – 20 Business Rte. 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726

New Year’s Day Climb
Celebrate the history at the North Tower at Twin Lights by climbing 64 steps to the top. This easy hike is open to all ages. 
Meeting Location: Twin Lights Historic Site – 2 Light House Road, Highlands, NJ 07732

First Day Hike
Get out into the forest and enjoy nature all around you to start 2026. This is an easy 1.5-mile hike.
Registration is required. Meeting Location: Forest Resource Education Center, 495 Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson, NJ 08527

Be The First To Hike Allaire 
Approximately four miles long, here is your chance to be one of the first to hike Allaire State Park with the fam. This hike is moderate, and ages 5+ are welcome, along with dogs on leashes. Unfortunately, this is not stroller-friendly.
Meeting Location: Allaire State Park – 4265 Atlantic Ave. Farmingdale, NJ 07727 – Main Parking Lot at Allaire Village

Tour of Trenton Along D&R Canal State Park 
Explore the past and present along this hike that takes you through the corridor of our state’s capital. It will start at the Trenton Battle Monument statue and follow the canal through the city. This is a total of 3.5 miles and is limited to 35 hikers.
Meeting Location: Trenton Battle Monument, 348 North Warren Street, Trenton, NJ 08650

Southern NJ

First Day Dog Hike
Explore Cape May County and bring your dog, too. This moderate trail is for ages 10 and up. 
Meeting Location: Belleplain State Forest Office – 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ 08270

Belleplain First Day Nature Education Hike
Take a nature walk in Belleplain State Forest. This easy walk is for ages 10 and up. 
Meeting Location: Belleplain State Forest Office – 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine, NJ 08270

Brendan Byrne First Hike of the Year
Take a look at nature, wildlife, and Reeves’ Bog. This easy hike is for all ages. 
Registration is required. Meeting Location: Forest Rd, Browns Mills, NJ, 08015

Discover Double Trouble First Day Jaunt
Explore the historic village, Mill Pond Trail, and Cedar Creek. This easy trail is open to ages 10 and over. 
Registration is required. Meeting Location: 581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721

Parvin First Day Winter Walk
Celebrate the new year with a hike at Parvin State Park. Children with parents and guardians are welcome. 
Registration is required. Meeting Location: Parvin State Park Office – 701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove, NJ 08318

Carranza Monument To Apple Pie Hill Hike and Tower Climb 
Take a hike to Apple Pie Hill before you stop for a lunch break, and climb the tower before returning to Carranza. Children ages 10 and older are welcome.
Meeting Location: Carranza Monument, Carranza Road, Tabernacle Township, NJ 08088

First Day Hike at Bass River
Get a fresh start in 2026 by hiking in New Jersey’s first state forest. This scenic hike takes you through some historic sites and is easy, lasting 2 miles. Afterward, warm up with some hot cocoa or tea. All ages are welcome.
Meeting Location: Bass River State Forest, 762 Stage Road, Bass River Twp 08224, at the office

Atsion Family Camp Trail 
This newest hiking trail is a 2.2-mile hike that offers beautiful views of Atsion Lake, including mountain views and Atlantic white cedar trees. There is little elevation change, and the sandy soil makes it an easy hike.
Meeting Location: Atsion Family Campground, Shamong, NJ 08088

New Year’s Day Hike in Batsto Village 
This historic village is a great place to spend the beginning of the year. The tour will begin at the Batsto Visitor Center, with planned stops, sharing stories from the Iron Era to the present, and guides will take you through 3 centuries of Pineland history.
Meeting Location: 31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037

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