Delaware State Parks to celebrate the New Year with First Day Hikes
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
DOVER (Dec. 30, 2014) – Delaware State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in nine state parks on New Year’s Day as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative. The hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year by connecting with the outdoors on Jan. 1 at a state park close to home.
On Jan. 1, 2014, 642 participants hiked more than 1,500 miles at nine different state parks. Parks staff and volunteers will lead the 2015 hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the park. Details about hike locations, difficulty, length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing, are listed on the America’s State Parks website, naspd.org, or visit destateparks.com/firstday for Delaware information.
On New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, children, adults, families and individuals will find hiking at the following Delaware State Parks locations and times:
New Castle County
Alapocas Run State Park – Blue Ball Barn
1914 West Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19803
302-577-7020
10 a.m.
Bellevue State Park
800 Carr Road, Wilmington, DE 19809
302-761-6963
1 p.m.
Brandywine Creek State Park
41 Adams Dam Road, Wilmington, DE
302-577-3534
2 p.m.
Lums Pond State Park
1068 Howell School Road, Bear, DE 19701
302-368-6989
2 p.m.
White Clay Creek State Park
750 Thompson State Road, Newark, DE
302-368-6900
1 p.m.
Kent County
Killens Pond State Park
5025 Killens Pond Road, Felton, DE 19943
302-284-4299
1 p.m.
Sussex County
Cape Henlopen State Park
15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958
302-645-6852
11 a.m.
Delaware Seashore State Park
25039 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
302-227-6991
1 p.m.
Trap Pond State Park
33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, DE 19956
302-875-5163
10 a.m.
First Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, Mass., to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks. Last year marked the first time all 50 state park systems participated.
DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation is committed to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to address obesity, especially among children. Getting kids outside and unplugged from video games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources.