Every year, Pennsylvania state parks host First Day Hikes to encourage people to spend time outdoors, get exercise and experience local history.
So, if getting fit in the new year is your resolution, here are some area hikes to get started on the right foot.
Check out more First Day Hikes: events.dcnr.pa.gov
First Day Hikes at Jacobsburg: Three-mile interpretive hikes at Jacobsburg, exploring the fields of the Homestead Trail and views of Blue Mountain and the village of Belfast. Hikes will be held 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. and start and end at the visitor center at 400 Belfast Road. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a water bottle. Registration required. 610-746-2801, events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/first-day-hike-1401
Women in the Wild – First Day Hike: Join fellow women hikers for a three-mile interpretive hike at Jacobsburg and explore the fields of the Homestead Trail and views of Blue Mountain and the village of Belfast. The hike leaves at 1 p.m. and will start and end at the visitor center at 400 Belfast Road. Children must be at least 5 years old if walking on their own. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a water bottle. Registration is required. 610-746-2801
Beltzville State Park: Join the Friends of Beltzville and park staff at 2 p.m. for a scenic, 3.5-mile hike from the Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC) to the dam tower, offering views of Beltzville Lake. Dog-friendly hike welcomes well-behaved pets on leashes. Bring water, dress in warm layers and wear comfortable footwear. The trail features durable gravel, grass and dirt surfaces. facebook.com/beltzvillestateparkfriends/
Lehigh Gorge State Park: Walk begins at 1 p.m. at Lehigh Gorge State Park, parking lot off PA-940 near I-80. Walk approximately 1 mile south on the trail to Tannery. Hikers will have the option to continue to Rattling Run Falls, an additional 2 miles roundtrip, with the leader, or turn around and return. Wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather. The hike is free, but registration is required. eventsreg.dcnr.pa.gov/register/create/51161800366814
Washington Crossing Historic Park: 10 a.m.-noon, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing. Moderate, 2-mile hike. Leaders guide you on different sections of the park at a moderate pace followed by activities inside and outside the Washington Crossing Nature Center. For information email joseph.moore@dep.nj.gov
Delaware Canal State Park: First Day Almost Full Moon Towpath Trek: Join the state park naturalists for a 2.5-mile roundtrip stroll along the towpath to downtown Yardley under the light of the almost full Wolf Moon. 4-6 p.m., Yardley Park & Ride, 1140 Woodside Road, Yardley. Registration required. https://eventsreg.dcnr.pa.gov/register/create/51383133599031
Leaser Lake: 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Plan your own hike in the four-mile trail around the lake that provides views and nature study, as well as seasonal hiking and cross-country skiing opportunities. https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Parks-And-Recreation/Our-Parks/Leaser-Lake
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