12-29-2023 4:33am

DAYTRIPS: HIKES ALL

Jeff Barto Editor

First Day Hikes 2024

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, 2023 - January 2, 2024. 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 2024, 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! All hikes are here:INFO HERE Listed below are only in Hunt Valley.

Central Region

Baltimore County

Gunpowder Falls State Park

Torrey C. Brown First Day Bike - Ranger-led

Registration via email preferred but not required.
Date/Time: 1/1/24 at 2 PM
Meeting Location: White Hall NCR/TCB Trail Parking Lot
Distance: 19.5 miles
Address: 1349 Wiseburg Road, White Hall, MD 21161

Description:
The NCR-Hereford Volunteer Association is excited to lead a guided bicycle ride from White Hall to the Pennsylvania border and back along the former route of the Northern Central Railroad. Enjoy scenic views of the Little Falls and Beetree Run as we bike through exposed geologic formations and experience history. The trail has a gentle grade and is well maintained. Participants will need to bring their own bicycling equipment, water, and snacks. We will not ride in rain or snow.

Additional Details:
Bicycle and Helmet, snacks, water. No fee

Additional Information:Gunpowder Falls State Park office: 410-592-2897
Email contact: jennifer.cashell@maryland.gov

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Hereford First Day Hike - Ranger-led Hike

Registration via email preferred but not required.
Date/Time: 1/1/24 at 11 AM
Meeting Location: Bunker Hill Rd. Parking Lot (off of York Rd, across from Hereford High School)
Distance: 4.5 miles
Address: Bunker Hill Rd.,
39.609527456021894, -76.67219456307537

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 11:00 AM, 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: 410-592-2897
Email contact: michaels.hook@maryland.gov

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North Point State Park

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

Registration via email preferred but not required.
Date/Time: 01/01/24 at 7 AM
Meeting Location: Lot A
Distance: 1.5 Miles
Address: 8400 North Point Rd, Edgemere, MD 21219

Description:
See the sunrise over the ancient Black Marsh and stand on the edge of the bay to take in the new day of the new year. This flat trail follows a trolley line bed through the woods, past an old power station, and looks East over the bay toward Pleasure Island and the Craig Hill Light. This hike offers no more than 21 feet of elevation change with excellent bird watching potential.

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 at the meeting area. There is $3 In-State Fee and $5 Out-of-State Fee to enter the park.

Additional Information:
Gunpowder Falls State Park Office: 410-592-2897
email contact: seanh.campbell@maryland.gov

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

Registration via email preferred but not required.
Date/Time: 01/01/24 at 3:30 PM
Meeting Location: Lot B
Distance: 3.3 Miles
Address: 8400 North Point Rd, Edgemere, MD 21219

Description:
Start your year off right with a flat 3.3 mile hike through the Black Marsh Wildlands and see historic remnants of Bay Shore Park. A Ranger will lead participants as they circumnavigate the park, ending at the Crystal Pier to watch the sunset and enjoy a small campfire with smores (weather permitting). Learn about some of the wildlife that can be seen in the park as well as the long history of North Point State Park. Smores generously provided by the North Point State Park Volunteers.

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 at the meeting area and during the hike. There is $3 In-State Fee and $5 Out-of-State Fee to enter the park.

Additional Information:
Gunpowder Falls State Park Office: 410-592-2897
email contact: seanh.campbell@maryland.gov