First Day Hikes To Usher In 2025 At 3 Bucks Co. State Parks

BUCKS COUNTY, PA —First Day Hikes will usher in the New Year at three state parks in Bucks County on New Year’s Day.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will host guided hikes at Tyler State Park, Washington Crossing Historic Park and the Delaware Canal State Park as part of the nationwide “First Day Hike."

Delaware Canal State Park

• Join a state park naturalist at 11 a.m. for a four-mile hike on easy, level terrain, starting in the lower parking lot of Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, 1635 River Rd. (PA-32), and heading two miles north on the Delaware Canal towpath toward New Hope and back. All ages and abilities are welcome. Leashed, friendly dogs welcome. Hike at your own pace and turn back when you wish (or stay in New Hope for a bite to eat!). Registration is not required. For questions or more information, contact Katie Martens at 610-982-0161 or kmartens@pa.gov

Tyler State Park

• A First Day Hike will be held at Tyler State Park on Jan. 1 between 1 and 3 p.m. There is a choice of two guided hikes, both starting and ending at the Boathouse Pavilion. The first hike is an easy, family-friendly walk along the paved Tyler Drive Trail to the Mill Dam parking lot. Participants will enjoy the Story Stroll while hiking the 2-mile scenic trail. Participants will have the option to turn around at an overlook of the lower damn to shorten the hike to 1 1/2 miles. The second hike is a moderate 3-mile hike. It will start at the Boathouse, cross the causeway then follow the Neshaminy Creek Trail to the Covered Bridge. A short connecter trail will take you to the historic Solly House before returning back to the start. This hike may require climbing over downed trees, so hiking shoes and/or hiking poles are suggested. No pre-registration is required. The end time is approximate. Dress for the weather. Hot cocoa and water will be provided. In case of cancellation, the park will announce on Facebook pages for Tyler and Friends of Tyler.

Washington Crossing

• The First Day Hike takes place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing 18977. Start your New Year and 2025 with a moderate 2-mile hike through the crisp January air! To register and receive the meeting location for this program email mtruesdale@pa.gov

These guided hikes, all taking place on Wednesday, January 1, help promote a healthy start in the new year while offering every Pennsylvanian an opportunity to forge new and stronger connections with the outdoors.

“First Day Hikes are the perfect way to start the year by immersing yourself in Pennsylvania’s natural spaces,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn. “This year, we’re encouraging everyone to connect with our public lands — whether that means discovering programs at our state parks, exploring new outdoor activities, or uncovering the rich history preserved within our landscapes. Let’s make 2025 a year of connection and exploration.”

DCNR staff and forest staff, as well as volunteers will lead the hikes, which are usually about one or two miles. Some hikes can be longer depending on the park and its terrain.

Learn more about First Day Hike events on DCNR’s website where you can filter hikes by various audiences, including families, seniors, and pet-friendly options. Hikers are invited to share their experience on social media using #FirstDayHikes.

First Day Hikes are organized by the National Association of State Park Directors to promote healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks. All 50 states have cooperatively sponsored First Day Hikes since 2012. Visit America’s State Parks website for more information on First Day Hikes nationally.

Each year, America’s state parks receive more than 725 million visits, which helps contribute billions of dollars to the U.S economy. State parks are a “close to home” resource and an important part of the country’s fabric, enhancing our quality of life.