BALTIMORE, MD—More than 5,200 visitors joined the annual First Day Hike tradition at Maryland State Parks on January 1, 2025.

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, more than 5,200 people participated in First Day Hikes across the state on New Year’s Day. Despite the windy and cold weather, the enthusiasm for stepping into a new year was warm.

The department says 2,266 people hiked more than 5,260 miles on 39 ranger-led hikes. Participants could choose from a variety of hikes, including an 18-mile First Day Bike on the Torey C. Brown Trail, an Adaptive Hike at Patapsco Valley State Park, and a first-ever Night Hike at Calvert Cliffs State Park.

In addition to the ranger-led hikes, more than 3,000 visitors participated in “Open Houses” on New Year’s Day and joined self-guided hikes at their own pace and mileage. Nearly 3,000 visitors participated in the open house events, with 2,400 visiting Seneca Creek State Park alone.

For those looking for a more self-guided experience, Maryland State Parks partnered with the hiking app AllTrails to promote eight hikes selected by park staff.

“This app helps those who want a self-guided experience get out on the trails on their own schedule and at their own pace, plus it helps those new to park find the right trail for them,” said Ranger Melissa Boyle Acuti, Chief of Interpretation for Maryland State Parks.

AllTrails reports that Maryland State Parks in the First Day Hikes campaign had 17% more hikers. The app recorded hikers’ feedback.

Maryland State Parks will start planning next year’s First Day Hikes this fall.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via Maryland Department of Natural Resources