Waterloo among N.J. sites for national 'First Day' hikes

Waterloo Village in Byram is among 23 New Jersey sites where State Park Service staff will conduct 18 guided hikes, walks and interpretive tours on New Year's Day.

Two bike rides and a horseback ride are included in the variety of events scheduled at state parks, forests and historic sites at locations from Highlands Region forests to the shores of Cape May.

The Department of Environmental Protection’s State Park Service says it's all part of encouraging New Jersey residents and visitors to start the New Year off on the right foot by participating in fun, invigorating and educational outdoor activities as part of the annual America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative.

"Not only do these events provide opportunities to enjoy spectacular scenery, history lovers will appreciate offerings that will take them back to important events in American history, said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin. "Activities are scheduled conveniently throughout the state and offer a wide range of experiences that showcase our parks and give the public an opportunity to soak in their special beauty at this time of year. We hope these visits become the first of many throughout the year that participants will make to our wonderful park system, one of the nation’s best.”

The state version of this national initiative offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year by connecting with the outdoors and learning about New Jersey’s natural resources and diverse landscapes. First Day events allow residents to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and learn local history while welcoming the New Year in a healthy manner.

Waterloo Village at Allamuchy Mountain State Park will offer "Waterloo, A Place of New Beginnings," an outdoor, guided, interpreted two-mile walk from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on New Year's Day. Participants will hear about the many roles Waterloo has played throughout the history of New Jersey and the United States.

The Waterloo event is considered a moderate hike on unpaved and uneven paths that are not stroller- or wheelchair-friendly. Dogs on leashes welcome. Participants should meet organizers at the Waterloo parking lot. Pre-registration is required by calling 973-347-1835. For more information, email waterlooris@gmail.com.

Jan. 1 hikes in New Jersey also will take place at Bass River State Forest, Belleplain State Forest, Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Cheesequake State Park, Kittatinny Valley State Park, Monmouth Battlefield State park, Rancocas State Park, Ringwood State Park, Round Valley Recreation Area, Spruce Run Recreation Area, Stokes State Forest, Warren Grove Recreation Area (Bass River State Forest), Washington Crossing State Park and Wharton State Forest.

Activities include hikes around Pinelands cranberry bogs, cycling or horseback riding along scenic trails of the Kittatinny Valley, following the hallowed paths the Continental Army took on Christmas Night 1776 as part of its historic victory at Trenton and walking in the footsteps of Molly Pitcher at Monmouth Battlefield State Park.

First Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Mass. The New Jersey State Park Service has been participating in First Day Hikes since it became a nationwide event in 2012.

“This is New Jersey’s fifth year participating in the initiative and each First Day event will offer an opportunity to explore the natural and cultural treasures of your favorite state parks, forests and historic sites,” said Mark Texel, acting director of the Division of Parks and Forestry. “Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which will range from mile-long, accessible walks to a 15-mile-long, all-day hike. We invite you to experience the quiet beauty of our parks and historic sites in winter with the company of a knowledgeable state park guide or volunteer.”

“Last year, we hosted nearly 41,000 people who hiked 79,442 miles in our state parks across the country as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes,” said Priscilla Geigis, president of the National Association of State Park Directors.

Most First Day events are free of charge and do not require pre-registration. For a full schedule and details, including weather-related updates, visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/first_day_hikes.html

The Official Facebook page for New Jersey State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites can be found at: www.facebook.com/NewJerseyStateParks.

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.