12-27-2022 4:04am

Hunt Valley-Area Parks

First Day Hikes 2023

Kick Off the New Year Outdoors with Maryland State Parks

First Day Hikes include First Weekend Outdoor Opportunities, with Ranger-led Hikes and Self-Guided Hike Options for the Whole Family!

Maryland State Parks will be offering First Weekend hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2022 - January 2, 2023. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities on the first day of the new year! Join us in Maryland on January 1st or throughout the first weekend of the new year for a hike at a state park near you.

For 2023, there are two types of hikes available:

Ranger-led hikes: These hikes will be led by a Park Ranger, have specific start times and many require pre-registration. Please read the details provided below carefully.
Self-guided hikes: These hikes will be available throughout the weekend, on well marked trails. Park staff and volunteers may be available to get you started but will not be joining you on the hike itself. Please read the details provided below carefully.

First Day Hike “I Hiked” Stickers will be available at select locations while supplies last!

Please note you are welcome to take a First Day Hike on any trail or at any State Park during this weekend event, if you would prefer!

After your hike, please come back here and fill out this form to let us know about your hike and how many miles you covered!

Central Region

Baltimore County

Gunpowder Falls State Park

First Day Hike at North Point State Park - Ranger-led Hike

Registration via email preferred but not required.
Date/Time: 1/1/23 at Noon
Meeting Location: Black Marsh trailhead
Difficulty: Beginner
Distance: 2 miles
Address: 8400 North Point Rd, Edgemere, MD 21219

Description:
This beginner friendly hike is rated "easy" as you stroll through the beautiful (and flat!) Black Marsh loop trail. The guided version of this hike will be hosted at 8:00 am and 11:00 am. Hikers will meet in the parking lot by the Black Marsh trailhead.

Additional Details:
Leashed pets are welcome, please wear appropriate footwear as the trail can sometimes be wet. Be sure to bring water! Porta-pots are available by the parking lot.

Additional Information:Gunpowder Falls State Park office: (410) 877-3560
Email: margaret.white@maryland.gov

Hereford First Day Hike - Ranger-led Hike

Registration via email preferred but not required.
Date/Time: 1/1/23 at 11 AM
Meeting Location: Bunker Hill Rd. Parking Lot - off of York Rd, across from Hereford High School
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 4.5 miles
Address: Bunker Hill Rd.,

Description:
This is our "difficult" rated first day hike based on length, terrain, and elevation. Hikers will meet at the Bunker Hill parking lot by the blue trailhead. The start time for this hike is 11:00am, and due to the length there will only be one park-guided hike, but we will leave maps at the trailhead for those who come earlier/later to do the self-guided version.

Additional Details:
Leashed pets are welcome, pleae remember to bring water and wear appropriate footwear. There are no bathrooms available at this location.

Additional Information:Gunpowder Falls State Park office: (410) 877-3560
Email: margaret.white@maryland.gov

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Patapsco Valley State Park - Hilton Area

Kids Countdown Hike - Ranger-led Hike

Registration is encouraged. We need to create the sign up link, will get that to you ASAP.
Date/Time: 12/31/22 at 4 - 5 PM
Meeting Location: Shelter 245
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Variable
Address: 1101 Hilton Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228

Description:
Join us for an alternative New Year's Eve! Does your young one feel left out by the late night party? Bring a flashlight and count down with us after the hike! Meet at Shelter 245 in the Hilton Area. Sign up Encouraged. Shine Only.

Additional Details:
Pets on a leash are welcome. Advanced registration preferred, contact Park Headquarters. Park Entrance fee is $2/vehicle, payable at the Honor Box.

Additional Information:
Park Headquarters: 410-461-5005
Email: patapsco.statepark@maryland.gov

Last Day Bike - Ranger-led Hike

Registration is encouraged. You can register here or call 410-461-5005.
Date/Time: 12/31/22 at 9 - 11 AM
Meeting Location: Hilton Tire Park
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6 miles
Address: 1101 Hilton Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228

Description:
Join us for a 'Last Day Bike' on New Year's Eve! Meet our partners, Muddy Pedals at the Tire Park for an adventurous 6 mile ride with around 1000 ft in elevation gain. The ride will last approximately 2 hours.

Additional Details:
Pets and strollers are prohibited. Advanced registration preferred, contact Park Headquarters. Park Entrance fee is $2/vehicle, payable at the Honor Box. Restrooms will be available on site.

Additional Information:
Park Headquarters: 410-461-5005
Email: patapsco.statepark@maryland.gov

Patapsco Valley State Park - Orange Grove Area

Adaptive Hike - Ranger-led Hike

Registration is required. You can sign up here or call 410-461-5005.
Date/Time: 1/1/23 at 3 - 5 PM
Meeting Location: Orange Grove Shelter 106
Difficulty: #
Distance: #
Address: 5120 South Street, Halethorpe, MD 21227

Description:
Looking to get out on a trail for the New Year? Join us for this Adaptive Hike at Patapsco Valley State Park! Begin on a fully accessible, paved & flat trail with scenic views of the Patapsco River. After around a half mile, the trail will turn to crushed rock surface.

Additional Details:
Leashed pets & strollers are welcome. Surface is paved and/or covered in crushed rock. Restrooms on site. Hike recommended to any adventurer that would like to surround themselves with nature. Entrance fees apply.

Additional Information:
Park Headquarters: 410-461-5005
Email: patapsco.statepark@maryland.gov

Patapsco Valley State Park - Carroll County

Medicine Tree Trail - Self-Guided Hike

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.3 mile
Park Map/Trail
Address: 11676 Marriottsville Road, Marriotsville, MD 21104

Description:
Warm up for New Year's with a self-led hike! Medicine Tree Trail by McKeldin Shelter 600 is a 0.3 loop with variable terrain that winds through the McKeldin forest. Come when you can throughout the day and enjoy McKeldin's other treasures while you're here!

Additional Details:
Leashed pets welcome. No stroller/wheelchair access. Restrooms available in park.

Additional Information:
Park Headquarters: 410-461-5005
Email: patapsco.statepark@maryland.gov

Soldiers Delight NEA

Sunset Hike - Ranger-led Hike

Registration is required. We need to create the sign up link, will get that to you ASAP.
Date/Time: 12/31/22 at 2 PM
Meeting Location: Soldier's Delight Visitor Center
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.5 miles
Address: 5100 Deer Park Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117

Description:
See the sun set for the last time in 2022! Meet at the Soldiers Delight Visitor Center to hike the 2.5 mi Serpentine Trail, ending at the Overlook on Deer Park Rd to watch the sun set over the valley. Hike will end with a short length of trail by flashlight back to the Visitor Center. The Serpentine Trail includes a stream crossing and is a hilly hike- dress for the weather and wear footwear appropriate for variable terrain. Shine only.

Additional Details:
Leashed pets are welcome. Not stroller/wheelchair accessible. Restrooms available in the Visitor Center.

Additional Information:
Park Headquarters: 410-461-5005
Email: patapsco.statepark@maryland.gov

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