Maryland State Parks will be offering First Day Hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2025 – January 2, 2026.
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 for a hike at a state park near you.
For 2026, there will be three 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.
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.
AllTrails-Guided: Maryland DNR has partnered with the AllTrails Public Lands Program to help Marylanders discover and navigate trails across our parks. Use AllTrails to navigate your hike and easily share your adventure on social!
First Day Hike “I Hiked” Stickers will be available at select locations while supplies last!
All are welcome to take a First Day Hike on any trail or at any State Park on January 1, if you would prefer!
Western Region
Washington County
Fort Frederick State Park
Plantation and Beaver Pond Trails – Self-Guided Hike
Date/Time: January 1, 10 a.m. – sunset
Distance: BeaverPond 1.75 miles, Plantation 1.5 miles
Address: 11100 Fort Frederick Road, Big Pool, MD 21711
Description: Come take a winter walk on one of our in park trails. The Plantation trail features a variety of hardwood and pine plantation trees that were planted here in the 1930’s by the Daughters of the American Revolution and Scouting groups. The Beaver Pond trail features great water views of the pond and Potomac River landscapes. Both trails have self guiding interpretive panels on local plant and animal life as well as some related park history.
Additional Details:
The Beaver Pond trail is mostly flat and is stroller accessible and on a gravel surface. (larger tire type is best). The Plantation Trail is more of a hiking trail and not stroller accessible with rolling and a bit rougher terrain. Pets are welcome on both trails and must be leashed. Park entrance fee is $3.00 per in state resident and $5.00 per out of state resident and can be paid at the visitor center that day. Restrooms available at the visitor center as well.
Additional Information:
Visitor Center ( 301) 842 2155
Duty Ranger: 443-805-1759
Email: [email protected]
Allegany County
Rocky Gap State Park
Nature in the New Year Hike – Ranger-led Hike
Registration: Registration is not required, but feel free to contact [email protected] to express interest.
Date/Time: January 1 at 11 a.m.
Distance: ~1 miles
Meeting location: Rocky Gap Nature Center
Address: 17400 Campers Hill Drive, Flintstone, Md. 21530
Description: Join park rangers as we take a slower stroll style hike and enjoy the nature around us! This guided hike will touch on the ecosystems and the nature we can appreciate in the winter. We will stick to paved and flat surfaces, featuring only one or two very gradual inclines. This hike is great for all ages. Stop by the Nature Center area for warm beverages, and this year’s First Day Hike sticker!
Additional Details:
This hike will take place on paved surfaces throughout the campground. While surfaces will be paved, please be aware we often encounter snowy or icy conditions in January. Leashed pets that are comfortable around large groups of people and other pets are welcome. Restrooms are available at the Nature Center.
Additional Information:
Contact: [email protected]
Duty Ranger: 240-357-4404
Park Office: 301-722-1480
Fitness Hike – Ranger-led Hike
Registration: Registration is not required, but feel free to contact [email protected] to express interest.
Date/Time: January 1 at 1 p.m.
Distance: 3.2 miles
Meeting location: Rocky Gap Nature Center
Address: 17400 Campers Hill Drive, Flintstone, Md. 21530
Description: Want to break a sweat on the 1st of the year? Join our park ranger on a guided fitness hike to celebrate the new year! This hike will feature uneven terrain, as well as uphill and downhill traversing. Be prepared with sturdy footwear and wet or snowy conditions. Stop by the Nature Center area for warm beverages, and this year’s First Year Hike sticker.!
Additional Details:
Surfaces are unpaved, natural surface trails, and can be often uneven, and quite rocky with lots of uphill and downhill traversing. Bathrooms are available at the Nature Center, as well as in the Day Use area of the park. Leashed pets that are comfortable around large groups of people and other pets are welcome.
Additional Information:
Contact: [email protected]
Duty Ranger: 240-357-4404
Park Office: 301-722-1480.
