The D&L Blog

Start the new year in nature with a First Day Hike near you.  

First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. As part of that initiative, knowledgeable state park staff and volunteers will lead hundreds of free, guided hikes across the United States.   

The five-county Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is home to 12 state parks, each of which feature beautiful natural resources in our region.  

Below we’ve gathered information on the seven hikes PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) employees and park volunteers will lead across the Corridor on Jan. 1^st. Register for one today or use the additional resources provided to plan your own adventure. Tag us from the trails at @DelawareandLehigh on Facebook or @DLNHC on Instagram! 

Bucks County  

Ralph Stover State Park 

Tohickon Creek flows through the 45-acre Ralph Stover State Park, making a scenic picnic area. The park features many habitats along easy walking trails, and includes one of Pennsylvania’s three state-run rock-climbing areas.   

• Guided First Day Hike at Ralph Stover State Park | Jan. 1^st, 2024 | 1-3pm: Enjoy a guided 2.5-mile hike over uneven terrain with a few steep hills on one of the most beautiful trails in the county.  Expect to hike at a slow pace so all can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature along the way. For additional details, and to register, visit: First Day Hike 2024 – DCNR Calendar of Events (pa.gov).

Washington Crossing Historic Park 

From the site of Washington Crossing Historic Park, General George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776 to march to Trenton, New Jersey. Events are held here throughout the year to celebrate the Christmas Day Crossing, General Washington’s Birthday, Charter Days, Harvest Days and Fourth of July. The park also features the 19th-century village of Taylorsville along with outdoor recreation and picnic areas. 

• Guided Frist Day Hike | Jan. 1^st, 2024 | 10-11am: Enjoy a moderate 2-mile hike through the crisp January air! For details and registration information visit: First Day Hike – DCNR Calendar of Events (pa.gov).

Lehigh County

Lehigh County is in close proximity to state parks found in neighboring counties. In addition, the County manages many parks with popular trail destinations, such as Trexler Nature Preserve and Leaser Lake.  

Leaser Lake  

A 4-mile trail around the lake provides beautiful views and nature study, as well as seasonal hiking and cross-country skiing opportunities. To learn more visit: Leaser Lake (lehighcounty.org).

Trexler Nature Preserve 

This 1495-acre natural preserve boasts eighteen miles of trails, offering wildlife observation, bird watching, hiking, walking, horseback riding, and mountain biking opportunities for enthusiasts at all levels. The Covered Bridge Trail is ADA accessible and provides access to the Jordan Creek for fishing.  To plan your own First Day adventure at TNP, visit: Trexler Preserve (lehighcounty.org).

Northampton County

Jacobsburg State Park 

On the northern edge of the Lehigh Valley, the rolling terrain of Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center is near the foothills of the Pocono Plateau. The habitats range from fields in various stages of successional growth to mature hardwood forests dominated by oak trees. About 2.5 miles of the beautiful Bushkill Creek and its tributary, Sobers Run, wind through the center. 

• Guided First Day Hike | Jan. 1^st, 2024 | 10-11:30am: Enjoy a 3-mile interpretive hike on Homestead Trail to enjoy views of Blue Mountain and the village of Belfast. Additional details and registration found here: First Day Hike – DCNR Calendar of Events (pa.gov).

• Women in the Wild: Guided First Day Hike | 1-2:30pm: Participate in a 3-mile interpretive hike on Homestead Trail to enjoy views of Blue Mountain and the village of Belfast. The hike will start and end at the visitor center at 400 Belfast Road. Additional details and registration information found here:  Women in the Wild – First Day Hike – DCNR Calendar of Events (pa.gov).

Carbon County

Beltzville State Park 

The lake is home to migrating waterfowl and numerous species of fish, but visitors also have opportunities to hike 15 miles of trails, hunt almost 2,000 acres, and ski or snowshoe across the land. 

• Guided First Day Hike | Jan. 1^st, 2024 | 2pm: Join the Friends of Beltzville and park staff on a 3.5-mile hike from the Beltzville State Park Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC) to the tower on top of the dam, culminating in a scenic view of Beltzville Lake. For additional details and registration information visit: First Day Hike – DCNR Calendar of Events (pa.gov).

Luzerne County

Lehigh Gorge State Park  

A deep, steep-walled gorge carved by a river, thick vegetation, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls characterize Lehigh Gorge State Park in Carbon and Luzerne Counties.  

• Guided First Day Hike | Jan. 1^st, 2024 | 10-11:30am: Join a gentle 2-mile walk on the rail trail from White Haven to Tannery and back. Details and registration information here: First Day Hike – DCNR Calendar of Events (pa.gov).

Nescopeck State Park  

• Guided First Day Hike |Jan. 1^st, 2024 | 1-2:30pm: A 2-mile walk spanning Lake, Hill and Nescopeck Trails. Currently full but interested participants can be added to waitlist here: FULL First Day Hike – DCNR Calendar of Events (pa.gov).

Last year nearly 55,000 people rang in the New Year outdoors, collectively hiking over 133,000 miles throughout the country.

We invite you to take part in this new-found tradition on a guided or self-led hike at one of the many state parks found throughout the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.  

Hiking not your thing? No problem. Our five-county corridor boasts three multiuse trail networks that can be used to enjoy a First Day bike, run, walk, or roll. Click on the links below to learn more. 

• Bucks County: The Circuit Trails 
• Lehigh and Northampton Counties: THE LINK Trail Network  
• Carbon and Luzerne counties: NEPA Trails 

Whatever your outdoor activity of choice – Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor has you covered. Just make sure you’re winter-ready for recreation with these helpful tips put together by our Director of Trails and Recreation.  

And don’t forget to log your miles on Get Your Tail on the Trail where a First Day Hike badge awaits! 

Written by Brit Kondravy, Conservation Coordinator

Brit serves as the Local Lead for Lehigh Valley Greenways – one of Pennsylvania’s eight Conservation Landscapes – and manages the LVG Mini Grant Program. In her role she is able to promote conservation and recreation through place-based partnerships throughout the five-county Corridor.