First Day Hikes in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County

Start the New Year off by taking a FIRST DAY of 2024 hike with your family in one of the beautiful parks in our area. Many parks offer programs by Park Rangers, naturalists, and volunteers. The hikes and programs are free but many require reservations. 

Use the provided links when planning your First Day Hike.  Make reservations if required.  

First Day Hikes

• WHEN: Jan. 1st, 2024, times vary by location 
• WHERE: 
  • Maryland Department of Natural Resources - First Day Hikes
    • Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Maryland State Parks) 
    • Sandy Point State Park
  • Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks - First Day Hikes
    • Bacon Ridge Natural Area, Crownsville, 10am - noon, Register to join park ranger led hike followed by hot apple cider. 
    • Beverly Triton Nature Park, Edgewater, noon - 2pm, Register for a 2 mile hike through the park looking at scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay and nearby tidal ponds.
    • Downs Park, Pasadena, 10-11:30am, Register for one of two hikes at the park: shorter kid-friendly walk or longer more strenuous hike on the perimeter trail. 
    • Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Park, Pasadena, 2-3:30pm, Register for an afternoon hike.
    • Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian, 9am - noon, Register to join two experienced naturalist on a vigorous exploration of the wetlands sanctuary.
    • Kinder Farm Park, Millersville, 10-11:30am, Register for this ranger led, comfortably paced hike around the unpaved trails.There will be frequent stops to look at plants and animals along the way. Perfect hike for families. 
    • Lake Waterford Park, Pasadena, 10-11:30am, Register to join rangers on a leisurely walk around the lake and trails.
    • Magothy Greenway Natural Area, Pasadena, 10am - 2pm, Register to join several self-guided hikes through this natural area. A ranger will be onsite with maps, resources, suggested routes, and hot chocolate. 
    • Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, 
      • 10am - noon, Register for a hike with Ranger Liz along Harness Creek. This is a family and dog friendly hike on 2 miles of paved trails. Enjoy hot chocolate and s'mores after your hike. 
      • 2-4pm, Register to join ranger James on an invigorating hike along Fitness and Pavilion Trails. This is a family and dog friendly hike on 2 miles of paved trails. Enjoy hot chocolate and s'mores after your hike. 
    • Baltimore and Annapolis Trail, Severna park, 10am - 2pm, Register to explore the BandA railroad museum and take a self-guided hike. Rangers will be onsite to provide maps, resources and suggestions.