DNREC invites public to ring in year with Delaware First Day Hikes

By Mike Finney
Posted 12/29/21

The weather forecast for New Year’s Day on Saturday is calling for temperatures in the low 60-degree range, which would appear to make it a perfect time to get outside and enjoy some fresh …

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DNREC invites public to ring in year with Delaware First Day Hikes

Posted

The weather forecast for New Year’s Day on Saturday is calling for temperatures in the low 60-degree range, which would appear to make it a perfect time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.

The Delaware Division of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is ready to feed that craving, as the hiking trails at 17 of its state parks will be open on New Year’s for First Day Hikes, a national movement sponsored by America’s State Parks to encourage the celebration of fitness in the great outdoors.

However, there is one caveat. The National Weather Service is calling for an 80% chance of rain showers statewide on Saturday for the hiking event that is set to take place rain or shine.

Shauna McVey, spokeswoman for DNREC, said that individuals interested in participating in the hikes, which will feature different difficulty levels in all three of Delaware’s counties, should just come prepared with rain gear, umbrellas and boots suitable for wet conditions.

“We won’t delay it if it is rainy,” Ms. McVey said. “It is a national movement, so if it’s rainy and people want to come out in the rain, they can do that. If others want to stay home in the rain, then we encourage them to come back to our state parks when the weather is nicer for them.”

The opportunity to take a free, self-guided hike could serve as the perfect remedy for individuals who are tired of being confined to their homes, television sets and computers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The wesbite for HealthAdvocate said walking and getting outside can be key to overcoming the feelings of isolation during the pandemic.

“Stay mindful. While walking outdoors, slow down and observe the details of the trees, for example,” it said. “Focus on the pattern of the bark, how the branches form, and the new spring growth near the trunk — things you might miss if you’re just whizzing by.

“This is the essence of mindfulness, the practice of focusing on — and accepting — things as they are in the present moment. Being mindful is a wonderful way to calm fears and anxiety.”

Last year’s First Day Hikes event featured 20 events at Delaware State Parks that attracted 2,189 individuals, 62 pets and offered trails that encompassed 34.4 miles. Hikers walked a total of 4,001 miles.

This year’s hikes will once again range in level of difficulty and trail length. At each First Day Hike location, guests will get the opportunity to learn about the history of the park, take in some beautiful scenery, and enjoy the company of other hikers.

“Now is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the weather and people can come out to any of our 17 state parks — and our Brandywine Zoo — and it’s a really great way to get outside and get some good fresh air,” said Ms. McVey.

“With the First State Hikes we do put out information as far as our difficulty levels. So we do recommend that those that are interested in participating on January 1st to take a look and make sure that they pick the hike that suits them best.”

Ms. McVey added that hikers may want to bring along a camera, a bottle of water, appropriate layers for the weather, a backpack and snacks.

Dogs are allowed on the hiking trails, unless indicated otherwise, and must be on a maximum 6-foot leash. Not all hiking trails are suitable for strollers.

Jonathan Willey was walking the 1.1-mile trail at Big Oak Park in Smyrna on Tuesday afternoon. He said the First Day Hikes event is definitely something that interests him.

“There’s not much better for your mind and soul than a walk through the woods, really any time of year,” he said. “That’s one thing Delaware does have is good outdoor recreational opportunities for everybody.”

Ms. McVey said DNREC is expecting a decent turnout for Saturday’s First Day Hikes based on increased participation at a similar event that took place in November.

“Opt Outside, which we participate in every Black Friday, had a pretty good turnout, so I expect that we should have a pretty good turnout for First Day Hikes, too,” she said. “Of course, we recommend that everybody socially distance right now during the pandemic from anyone that is not in their household.”

As for that potential for rain showers, Ms. McVey said, “I don’t mind hiking in a little bit of rain, as long as the weather’s not cold.”

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