First Day Hike. Start your New Year right on a self-guided family friendly hike in the State Park woodlands at the NJ State Botanical Garden. Weather permitting, you can climb to the Mt. Defiance overlook on the Halifax trail and return, or choose our alternate hike without a climb. This annual event is a joint project of State Park staff and volunteers from the NJBG/Skylands Association and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference. Wear sturdy shoes and weather appropriate clothes; small children may need to be carried. Meet at the Carriage House Visitor Center at NJBG between 1 pm and 2 pm. Map and hike directions will be provided at the start. Allow 90 minutes for the hike. Staff will be on the trail for assistance if required. Snow cancels; call (973) 962-7031 for info. Free.