CUMBERLAND — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported a total of 4,248 people who hiked about 10,691 miles during First Day Hikes in 40 different Maryland state parks on New Year’s weekend.
Between Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, park rangers led 47 scheduled hikes and other programs with an additional 15 self-guided opportunities that were available on state public lands across Maryland.
“Taking a First Day Hike has truly become a magnificent Maryland tradition, as more and more people start the year by connecting with the great outdoors,” said Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw. “These events continue to grow and thrive, and we are proud to welcome people from every corner of Maryland and beyond to our state’s gorgeous natural spaces.”
In true Maryland fashion, the weather across the state was highly variable. Some parts of the state enjoyed a sunny New Year’s Day morning with showers in the afternoon and evening, while other parts of the state rang in the new year with snow on the ground.
Ranger-led programs hosted 3,153 visitors and hikers covered about 7,961 miles, while 1,095 people took advantage of self-guided hikes covering at least 2,730 miles. In addition, through a Maryland Park Service online survey asking hikers to self-report, 154 hikers covered more than 77 miles in Maryland’s state parks.
Events that brought out a variety of visitors included a First Day Horse Ride at Tuckahoe State Park and a First Day Bike Ride at Gunpowder Falls State Park. At Smallwood State Park, two hikers new to the area carried a cat in a backpack
Last year, about 4,900 visitors took part in First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks during the three-day period from Dec. 31-Jan. 2.