‘First Day Hike’ at Delaware Canal State Park in New Hope Offers Healthy Start to New Year

Delaware Canal State Park will sponsor a free guided hike on New Year’s Day in New Hope as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes nationwide initiative.

The family-friendly hike will take place on the Delaware Canal towpath at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (lower parking lot) at 1635 River Road (Route 32) on Sunday, Jan. 1, from 1 to 3 p.m.

It’s part of a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) program providing free, guided hikes in 30 state parks on New Year’s Day under the America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states.

“For the sixth consecutive year, First Day Hikes offer a great cure for cabin fever, and a chance to burn off those extra holiday calories, and what better way to welcome the new year than with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks?” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

“State parks offer so much, regardless of the season, and we are excited to showcase their winter beauty by joining in this national effort to get people outdoors and into parks,” she added.

The hikes originated more than 25 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation – a state park in Milton, Massachusetts.

In Pennsylvania, 30 state parks will offer First Day Hikes to ring in 2017. At Delaware Canal State Park, First Day hikers will take a gentle 2-4 mile walk on the level terrain of the canal towpath, and learn a little bit about canal history. Hikers will pass historical landmarks and scenic Delaware River vistas, and can listen to birds, breathe in the fresh air, discover wildlife tracks, and feel the wind and the warmth of the sun.

Hikers will also benefit from the company of a knowledgeable state park guide. Hikes are usually about one or two miles, but can be longer depending on the park and its terrain.

More information about First Day Hikes at Delaware Canal State Park is available online.

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