Trails Abound in Northwest Jersey

By Tom Gilbert

Co-Executive Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get outside and exercise more, here’s a great way to start 2023 on the right foot: Join a “First Day” hike on Jan. 1.

Across New Jersey, guided New Year’s Day hikes are being organized to help residents get a jump start on a healthy habit, all while enjoying beautiful scenery in the company of others.

What’s so great about hiking? For starters, walking is one of the best things people of all ages can do to boost their overall health. Regular walking packs a bunch of benefits, including toned muscles, a stronger heart, lower blood pressure, better digestion, less joint pain and fewer bouts of insomnia. 

Walking outdoors in nature multiplies those benefits. While any walking is good, studies have shown that walking in a natural setting makes people feel calmer and more focused. Winter is a fantastic time for hiking, since scenic vistas are more open without leaves on the trees – and you don’t have to deal with heat and humidity.

The New Jersey Division of Parks and Forests is offering 14 First Day hikes at state parks, all free of charge. They range from easy strolls along flat terrain to strenuous hikes up and down hills. There’s something for everyone – including your dog!

Here are a couple suggested hikes nearby:

High Point State Park, Sussex County – The 6th annual High Point First Day Challenge Hike covers about six scenic miles and is meant for experienced hikers. The first, more rugged half of the hike will be on the Appalachian Trail, while the return will be on the easier Iris Trail, a well-graded former wagon road. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail, Kittatinny State Park, Warren County – The Paulinskill Valley Trail Committee invites the public to join them for the 38th Annual New Year’s Day Hike, starting at Footbridge Park in Blairstown. This easy hike covers about four miles, and the cinder-based trail provides easy, level walking. Leashed dogs are welcome.

For a full list of First Day hikes – including detailed descriptions, registration information and meeting places – go to https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/firstdayhikes/. Other groups may be adding New Year’s Day hikes, so check the websites of parks and preserves near you. You can take a hike almost anywhere in Warren County, with trails maybe in your town, or  certainly in one of the many county parks in Northwest Jersey’s backyard.

Get outside on New Year’s Day, enjoy nature and learn some local history!  It’s a fantastic way to start a happy and healthy 2023 and explore New Jersey’s beautiful, open spaces.

For more information about preserving land and natural resources in New Jersey, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website at www.njconservation.org.