First Day Hikes 2022
- Melissa Nash
- Dec 13, 2021
- 5 min read
First Day Hikes include Ranger-led hikes and self-guided hike options for the whole family in our local State Parks and State Forests! Maryland State Parks will be offering organized hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2021- January 2, 2022. 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 or forest near you.
For 2022, 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!
Organized hikes scheduled for Garrett County are listed below. For opportunities in other counties, visit https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/firstdayhikes.aspx . Hiking is also available at our State Forests on a self-guided basis.
3735 Sang Run Rd, McHenry, MD 21541
Self Guided Hike: Bluebird Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 mile
Come to Sang Run State Park for a self-guided hike through the historic agricultural fields. This stroll is excellent for birdwatching and beautiful views of the Youghiogheny River Valley. The Bluebird trail is marked by blue circles, and starts just up the hill by the garden behind the Friends Store.
Additional Details: Prepare for possible snow covered trails with proper hiking shoes and warm clothing and binoculars. Bring something to drink since there is no potable water on-site. Leashed pets are welcome. No stroller/wheelchair access. Vault toilet available in the parking lot.
For additional information, contact the park directly: Contact: Ranger Will Sade - william.sade@maryland.gov / Park Office: 301-387-5563 / Duty Ranger: 240-405-9827 / Park Email: deepcreek.statepark@maryland.gov
349 Headquarters Lane, Grantsville, MD 21536
Self Guided Hikes: New Germany State Park Trail System
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Distance: Up to 12 miles of options!
Celebrating the New Year is often about celebrating personal goals, dreams and ambitions. Live your own adventure at New Germany State Park with a custom hike that best suits YOU! Meet at the New Germany State Park Lake House between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm for maps, directions and recommendations from park rangers. If preferred, a guided hike will also be available at 2:00 pm.
Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. Cross country ski and snowshoe rentals will be available if conditions are favorable. A warm fire and complimentary hot chocolate will be available for hike participants. https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Documents/NewGermany_map.pdf
For additional information, contact the park directly: Contact Ranger Julia Musselwhite - julia.musselwhite@maryland.gov Park Office: 301-895-5453
New Germany Lake House- 403 McAndrews Hill Rd, Grantsville, MD 21536
Ranger Led: Community Heritage Hike at New Germany State Park
Date: 1/1/22
Time: 2:00 PM
Meet at: Lake House
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.6 miles
During this winter hike, a ranger will lead you on an invigorating 2.6 mile walk down the scenic Turnpike Trail to our Dynamite Shack Loop to start the year off with an imaginary bang! Expect to climb about 260 ft of elevation to kickstart your 2022 fitness goals. The route may be adjusted In the event of skiable, snow-covered trails.
Additional Details: This is a natural surface trail and is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Leashed pets are welcome. The hike will begin and conclude at the Lake House where guests can enjoy restroom facilities, a warm fire and complimentary hot chocolate for hikers. Snowshoes will be available to rent if conditions allow.
Registration: Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. Call the park office at 301-895-5453
222 Herrington Lane Oakland, MD 21550
Self Guided Hike: Green Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.7 Miles
Come to Herrington Manor State Park for a self-guided hike along the Green Trail. It is accessible from the park headquarters. The hike will begin along an open field, then entering the hardwood forests, before looping back to the park headquarters. Trail maps and self guide brochures will be available at the park headquarters.
Additional Details: The trail is not stroller/wheelchair friendly. Leashed pets are welcome. Restrooms are available in the park laundry facility below the Park Headquarters. Please dress appropriately for the weather. https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/HerringtonManor/Hiking-Trail-Maps.aspx
For additional information, contact the park directly: Contact Ranger Brian Evans - brian.evans@maryland.gov - Park Office: 301-334-9180/ Park Duty Ranger: 240-321-5966
898 State Park Rd., Swanton, Md 21561
Ranger Led: Beckman's Trail Hike
Date: 1/1/22
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Meet at: Beckman's Trailhead. Go through the main entrance, and stay right until you reach the overflow parking lot. The trailhead is at the back of the lot.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 2 miles
Join us for a mountainside hike along Beckman's Trail. You will learn about the bold black bear community we have in Garrett County. We will also be passing the historic Brant Coal Mine located just off the trail! Prepare for possible snow covered trails with proper footwear and layers. Should the mountain trails be too slick, we will stroll beside the beautiful lakeshore.
Additional Details: Leashed pets are welcome. No stroller/wheelchair access. There is no restroom access at the trailhead, but a portable restroom is available at the ranger station. The hike will have around 300 feet of elevation gain.
Registration: Pre- registration preferred. Please contact park headquarters. Deep Creek Lake State Park Office: 301-387-5563. Duty Ranger: 240-405-9827 Park Email: deepcreek.statepark@maryland.gov
Self-guided opportunities in State Forests in Garrett County are listed below. Please note that some state forest trails are multi-use and may be open to biking, cross country skiing, horseback riding, ORV and/or snowmobiles in addition to hiking. Click on the forest name for detailed trails information and maps.
Savage River State Forest Office: 127 Headquarters Lane, Grantsville, MD 21536 Office open Monday-Friday 301-895-5759 Asa Durst Trail (4.5 mile loop, MODERATE) Poplar Lick Trail (6 miles, MODERATE) Monroe Run Trail (4.6 miles, MODERATE) Margraff Trails (7.5 miles with loops, MODERATE) Mt. Aetna Tract Trails (7.6 miles, MODERATE) Meadow Mountain Trail (12 miles, MODERATE) Big Savage Trail (17 miles, DIFFICULT) Negro Mountain Trail (8 mile loop, DIFFICULT)
Potomac-Garrett State Forest Office: 1431 Potomac Camp Road, Oakland, MD 21550 Office open Monday-Friday301-334-2038 Piney Mountain Trail (2.5 miles, MODERATE) Wilderness Ranch Trail (1.8 miles, MODERATE) Toliver Trail (0.75 miles, MODERATE) Snaggy Mountain Trail (8.5 miles loop, EASY TO MODERATE) 5.5 Mile Trail (5.5 miles, MODERATE) Bicentennial Oak Trail (0.3 miles, MODERATE) Watchable Wildlife Trail (0.2 miles, EASY) South Snaggy Complex (3.5 miles with loops, MODERATE) Backbone Mountain Trail System (6.7 miles, MODERATE) North Hill Road Trail (2 miles, MODERATE) Boy Scout Trail (0.25 miles, EASY) CCC Fish Pond Trail (0.3 miles, EASY) Lostland Hiking Trail (3.4 miles, MODERATE) Overlook Trail (0.2 miles, MODERATE) Wallman Trail System (10.2 miles with loops, EASY TO MODERATE) Hutton Kindness Demonstration Area Trail (1.25 mile with interpretive signs, MODERATE)
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