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As part of the agency’s ongoing effort to provide recreational opportunities to residents and families, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will once again kick off the new year with free guided First Day Hikes at state parks across Massachusetts. On January 1, 2025, DCR will host the agency’s 34th annual First Day Hikes initiative in 14 parks across the state – from South Cape Beach State Park in Mashpee to the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls.
First Day Hikes is a signature DCR initiative launched in 1992 when 400 hikers gathered to welcome the new year at the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton. The program aims to promote year-round outdoor recreation and to inspire residents and families to discover the beauty of the Massachusetts State Parks system. The initiative expanded over the years to parks across the state. After 20 years of success in Massachusetts, the initiative was adopted nationally in 2012 with the endorsement of America’s State Parks, expanding the First Day Hikes initiative to all 50 states.
“We are a state of firsts, and the tradition of our First Day Hikes stands as a proud example of that,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As we celebrate MA250, we are proud to continue this initiative that brings together people of all walks of life – across generations, backgrounds, abilities, and communities - to start their year off by getting outside to take in our amazing state parks.”
“This tradition, started right here in Massachusetts, is a unique way for residents to start their new year off on the right foot with health and happiness,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “First Day Hikes are a great opportunity for family and friends to experience our beautiful state parks and inspire year-round recreation in our public spaces.”
“First Day Hikes unites communities, inspires fresh air, and showcase our state’s beauty – another example of Massachusetts leading the way,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We encourage everyone to start their new year by participating in one of these hikes where residents can explore our state parks while also witnessing the important role these spaces play in protecting the health of our environment.”
“One of our goals at DCR is to get more families outside into our amazing state parks and build the next generation of environmental stewards and First Day Hikes is a great way to do that,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We look forward to seeing Massachusetts residents and families at one of our 14 hikes across the state this New Year’s Day, connecting with the natural world and experiencing all our state parks system has to offer.”
The program has become a beloved tradition for many across the state, with residents of all ages gathering each New Year’s Day to ring in the new year outdoors in DCR parks. On January 1, 2024, more than 3,000 people kicked off their year with a First Day Hike in a DCR park. Visitors can take part in the hikes at agency parks in Boston, Saugus, Rockport, Concord, North Andover, Mashpee, Uxbridge, Gardner, Townsend, West Boylston, Worcester, Turner Falls, and Chester.
This year, DCR is providing hikers with a First Day Hike winter hat and a First Day Hike commemorative pin. Each hat will include a note explaining the history of the First Day Hike Initiative – another Massachusetts “first” and its connection to MA250.
DCR offers incredible natural, recreational, and cultural resources for visitors to explore, as well as exceptional activities and programs that visitors can take advantage of year-round. This year’s First Day Hikes will range from one to five miles, depending on location. DCR recommends that hike participants dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water. Inclement weather, rain, snow, or icy trail conditions may cancel the hike. Participants should contact the park for confirmation that a hike will be taking place. Additional details, including locations, difficulty, length, terrain, and age recommendations, can be found on DCR’s website. Participants are encouraged to share photos of their hiking experience on social media and by tagging @MassDCR. Additionally, most locations will offer hot chocolate following the hike.
DCR’s First Day Hikes will be offered at the following 14 locations and times:
BOSTON
Pope John Paul II Park Reservation – 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Hallet Street, Boston
1 mile hike
Meet by the Kiosk at Hallet Street entrance located at the intersection of Hill Top Street and Hallet Street
Join DCR staff for a 1-mile guided stroll on paved paths along the Neponset River. Hot chocolate will be provided after the hike. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.
Co-Sponsored by the Neponset River Greenway Council
NORTH
Breakheart Reservation – 10 a.m.
177 Forest St., Saugus
2 or 3 mile hike, two trail options
Meet at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center
Breakheart is hosting two guided First Day Hikes – a 2-mile hike and a 3-mile hike- through the paved loops of the Reservation. Hikers will have a view of animal tracks and the Lower and Upper Ponds. Hot chocolate and clam chowder from Kelly’s Roast Beef will be served by the fire in the Visitor Center after the hike.
Co-sponsored by the Friends of Breakheart Reservation
Halibut Point State Park – 10 a.m.
4 Gott Avenue, Rockport
3 mile hike
Meet at park entrance near the parking lot
Hikers will enjoy the seasonal scenic splendor including wintering ducks and birds while hiking along this coastal water’s edge. Well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.
Co-sponsored by the Friends of Halibut Point State Park
Harold Parker State Forest – 10 a.m.
700 Middleton Road, North Andover
2 mile hike
Meet at Berry Pond Beach
Hikers will walk from Berry Pond to Salem Pond and back.
Co-sponsored by the Friends of Harold Parker State Forest
Walden Pond State Reservation – 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (self-guided)
915 Walden Street, Concord
Under 2-mile hike
Start at the Walden Visitor Center. Visitor Center open from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Hikers can go their own pace with a self-guided hike along Walden Pond. Interpretive signage will guide visitors along the 1.5-mile trail. Hot chocolate will be served in the Visitor Center after the hike.
SOUTH
South Cape Beach State Park – 10 a.m.
668 Great Oak Road, Mashpee
1-2 mile hike
Meet in the parking lot
Join DCR staff for a hike along the beach with views of Martha’s Vineyard. Staff will discuss research being done at nearby salt marshes. Hot chocolate will be served after the hike.
Co-sponsored by Friends of Waquoit Bay
Blue Hills Reservation – 12 p.m.
860 Hillside Street, Milton
Two guided hikes and one self-guided hike at 12 p.m.
Gather at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center at 11 a.m.
Co-Sponsored by Friends of the Blue Hills and Trailside Museum
Parking and space are limited. There is no parking outside DCR property.
Starting at 11 a.m. visitors can watch a Blue Hills Trailside live wildlife demo at Houghton’s Pond with staff from Mass Audubon while they gather around a warming fire. Two easy to moderate hikes will kick off at noon. There will also be a self-guided hike option for those who want to go it alone.
CENTRAL
Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center – 10 a.m.
3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester
5-mile hike
Meet at the Visitor Center. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
Hikers can bring their leashed dogs for a hike along the Blackstone River Greenway where they’ll see urban wildlife and evidence of the area’s industrial past.
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park – 10 a.m.
287 Oak Street, Uxbridge
1.5 mile hike
Meet at the River Bend Farm Visitor Center for registration at 9 a.m.
Hikers will walk along the canal towpath with a view of the river as they look for signs of winter along the waterways and forest. Hikers can warm up around the fire in the Visitor Center after the hike.
Dunn State Park – 10 a.m.
289 Pearl St., Gardner
1.5 mile hike
Meet at the Pond House for registration at 9 a.m.
Hikers will walk the Woodland Trail to the Pond Loop Trail as they look for signs of winter wildlife. Well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.
Accessible hike- 11 a.m.
Co-led by DCR’s Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures.
Register by noon on December 31 by calling 413-584-2052 or emailing programs@alloutadventures.org.
Hikers can warm up in the Pond House with hot chocolate after the hike.
Pearl Hill State Park – 10 a.m.
105 New Fitchburg Road, Townsend
2 mile hike
Meet at 105 New Fitchburg Rd, Townsend. Registration begins at 9 a.m.
Hikers will learn about the natural resources and wildlife of the forest as they walk the Friends Trail loop.
Wachusett Reservoir – 11 a.m.
167 Temple St. (Rt 140), West Boylston
2.2 mile hike
Meet at Gate 22 on Rt 140 starting at 10 a.m.
Hikers will view scenic vistas of the water supply that provides clean drinking water to more than 3 million people in Massachusetts.
WEST
Great Falls Discovery Center – 1 p.m.
2 Avenue A, Turners Falls
3 mile hike
Meet at the Great Hall
Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center
This family-friendly hike follows a gentle route and provides an opportunity to discover the natural, historical and cultural features that make up the Great Falls Discovery Center and Canalside Rail Trail.
Chester Blandford State Forest – 10 a.m.
631 U.S. Route 20, Chester
2-mile hike
Meet at Sanderson Brook Falls Parking Lot
Co-sponsored by the Western MA Hilltown Hikers
Hikers will view the scenic Sanderson Brook Falls as they walk the Sanderson Brook Falls Trail.
Visitors are also encouraged to create their own First Day Hike adventure at a state park close to home. Further information on self-guided hikes is available on the agency’s website, which features almost 70 facilities statewide.
