Maryland State Parks kicked off 2025 with its annual First Day Hike tradition, joined by more than 5,200 visitors across the state. Although January 1 was windy and cold across most of Maryland, the enthusiasm for stepping into a new year was warm. On New Year’s Day, 2,266 people hiked more than 5,260 miles on Read the Rest…
Hikers make Maryland public lands part of their New Year’s tradition Maryland residents and visitors are invited to start the new year on the right foot with First Day Hikes, part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks. From December 31, 2024, through January 2, 2025, Marylanders can explore the beauty of their Read the Rest…
Marylanders begin 2024 enjoying the great outdoors A total of 4,248 people hiked about 10,691 miles during First Day Hikes in 40 different Maryland state parks on New Year’s weekend, according to data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Between Dec. 31, 2023 and Jan. 1, 2024, park rangers led 47 scheduled hikes Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites all Marylanders to take a First Day Hike — the annual tradition for a fun, healthy way to welcome the New Year. Maryland State Parks will be offering First Weekend hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2023 – January 2, 2024. First Day Hikes are Read the Rest…
Marylanders Kick Off 2023 with Annual Tradition The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that 4,896 people hiked 9,780 miles during First Day Hikes in 41 state parks on New Year’s weekend. Between Dec. 31, 2022 and Jan. 2, 2023, there were 37 scheduled ranger-led programs with an additional 23 self-guided opportunities available on Read the Rest…
Ranger-led and Self-guided Hikes Available Across Maryland The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites all Marylanders to take a First Day Hike —Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy way to welcome the New Year. Maryland State Parks will be offering First Weekend hike opportunities across the state from December 31, 2022 – January Read the Rest…
Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New with Outdoor Traditions Maryland State Parks will again mark the new year by offering hike opportunities from December 30, 2022 through January 2, 2023. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking Read the Rest…
New Year’s Weekend Hikers Brave Rainy Conditions The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates that about 3,000 visitors took part in First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks during the three-day period from December 31, 2021 through January 2, 2022. More than 350 people self-reported that they hiked 1,223 miles in our state parks Read the Rest…
Ranger-led and Self-guided Hikes Available Across Maryland The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites everyone to take a First Day Hike, Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy way to welcome the New Year. The Maryland Park Service will once again make First Day Hikes a weekend-long event, with ranger-led and self-guided opportunities across Read the Rest…
Honoring our Past, Preserving our Future December is a great time to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, so I decided to dedicate this month’s message to our amazing partners, volunteers, and staff who make our accomplishments possible. Earlier this year, I was pleased to host Employee Appreciation celebrations at various state park locations throughout the Read the Rest…
Annual First Day Hike Tradition Adapts and Grows The Maryland Department of Natural Resources estimates that 16,237 visitors took part in First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks during the three-day period from January 1-3, 2021. Following safety provisions to prevent spread of COVID-19, and taking advantage of the long New Year’s weekend, hikers engaged Read the Rest…
Weekend Of Self-Guided Walks on Maryland Public Lands The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to take a First Day Hike, Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy way to welcome the New Year. This year, the Maryland Park Service will offer self-guided hike opportunities across the state from January 1-3, 2021. As always, Read the Rest…
First Day Hikes Kick Off 2020 About 5,000 hikers took advantage of sunny and mild weather New Year’s Day, joining the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in the state’s annual First Day Hikes initiative. Hikers logged more than 10,000 miles on trails in parks and public lands all across Maryland. Park rangers, staff, and volunteers Read the Rest…
Maryland Public Lands Hosting 40 Hikes Across State The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to join a First Day Hike, Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy kickoff to the New Year. On Jan. 1, 2020, the Maryland Park Service will offer 40 guided hikes on 33 state lands and parks, as part Read the Rest…
Winter is Coming – Perfect for Maryland Outdoors Fun! As we rake up the last of the fall leaves and the weather turns colder, some may think that winter’s arrival means less time spent outside, but Maryland has many cold-weather outdoor recreation opportunities. Western Maryland – or Mountain Maryland as some call it – is Read the Rest…
Participation Triples Thanks to Warm Weather The Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcomed approximately 3,700 hikers on 36 hikes at 32 state parks this New Year’s Day as part of the annual First Day Hikes initiative. Hikers trekked about 8,500 miles on trails in every corner of Maryland. Maryland Park Service rangers, staff and volunteers Read the Rest…
Popular New Year’s Tradition Returns Across Maryland The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to kick off the New Year with one of Maryland’s fastest-growing traditions – a First Day Hike. On Jan. 1, 2019, the Maryland Park Service will offer more than three dozen hikes on more than 30 state lands and parks, as part of a Read the Rest…
Increased Public Access Is Coming Your Way One of my top priorities is to make sure all Marylanders have access to the enjoyment of nature and the great outdoors. To that end, I’m pleased to say that 2018 has been a banner year for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. A proud accomplishment of this Read the Rest…
More Than 1,200 People Brave Cold for First Day Hikes The Maryland Department of Natural Resources welcomed 1,227 hikers at more than 30 state parks this New Year’s Day as part of the annual First Day Hikes initiative. Maryland Park Service rangers, staff and volunteers guided the brave souls through 2,500 miles of paths and trails, where Read the Rest…
Celebrate 2018 in Maryland’s Parks and Public Lands The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to welcome in the New Year with a First Day Hike! Maryland Park Service rangers, staff and volunteers will lead more than 30 hikes on public lands and state parks New Year’s Day, as part of a nationwide event sponsored Read the Rest…
2,000 People Participate in First Day Hikes With mild temperatures and sunny skies throughout much of the state, the Maryland Park Service welcomed over 2,000 hikers for First Day Hikes 2017. Staff and volunteers hosted 33 guided hikes at 21 state parks on New Year’s Day. From beachside marshes to rocky cliffs, each park offered its Read the Rest…
