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Carolyn Kruse

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10 First Day Hikes In Massachusetts

Carolyn Kruse December 28th, 2022

Here’s a great way to start off the new year. Start 2023 off of the right foot…and then the left. Go on a hike! The Massachusetts First Day Hikes program first started in 1992 and went nationwide in 2012. The hugely popular event is free and offers guided hiking throughout the state.

This year, the DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) will offer First Day Hikes at 10 locations in Massachusetts. The DCR manages over 150 state parks. You can chose from locations north, central, south and west in the state. So, grab your hiking shoes and a bottle of water, and get ready to make strides to a happy, healthy new year.

  • 1. Uxbridge

    287 Oak Street, Uxbridge

    • Time: 10:00am
    • Place: Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge
    • Meet at the Visitor Center. Registration begins at 9:00 am. 1.5 mile hike.
      Hot chocolate in visitor center after hike
      Co-sponsored by the Blackstone Heritage Corridor

  • 2. Sutton

    198 Purgatory Rd, Sutton, MA

    * Place: Purgatory Chasm State Reservation

    * Time: 2:00pm

    * Meet at the Visitor Center. Registration begins 1:00pm. 1-1.5 mile hike
    Hot chocolate served after hike in visitor center

     

  • 3. West Boylston

    167 Temple St (Rt 140), West Boylston, MA

    * Place: Wachusett Reservoir

    * Time: 11:00am

    * Meet at Gate 22 on Rt 140 starting at 10:00am. It’s a 2 mile hike.Warm up with hot chocolate after hike

     

  • 4. Saugus

    177 Forest Street, Saugus, MA

    * Place: Breakheart Reservation

    * Time: 10:00am

    * Two 2 mile hikes
    Meet at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center.
    Hot chocolate and fire in visitor center after hike
    Co-sponsored by the Friends of Breakheart

  • 5. Rockport

    4 Gott Avenue, Rockport, MA

    *Place: Halibut Point State Park

    *Time: 10:00am

    * Meet at parking lot starting at 9:00am
    2 mile hike
    Co-Sponsored by the Friends of Halibut Point State Park

  • 6. Stoneham

    4 Woodland Rd, Stoneham, MA

    *Place: Middlesex Fells Reservation

    *Time: 10:00am

    *Meet at the Botume House
    1-2 mile long hike
    Hot chocolate will be served in Botume House after hike
    Co-Sponsored by Friends of the Middlesex Fells
    Register HERE

  • 7. Concord

    915 Walden St, Concord, MA

    *Place: Walden Pond State Reservation

    *Time: 10:00am

    *Meet at the Visitor Center
    ~1 mile long hike
    Hot chocolate will be served in visitor center after hike

     

  • 8. Milton

    840 Hillside St, Milton

    *Place: Blue Hills Reservation

    *Time: 12:00pm

    *Gather at Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area at 11:00am.
    Two guided hikes and one self-guided hike at 12:00pm.
    Enjoy hot chocolate sold by the Boy Scouts.
    Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Interfaith Social Services Food Pantry of Quincy.
    Co-Sponsored by Friends of the Blue Hills

  • 9. Turner Falls

    2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA

    *Place: Great Falls Discovery Center

    *Time: 1:00pm

    *Meet at the Main Entrance.
    3 mile hike
    Hot chocolate in visitor center after hike
    Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center

  • 10. Lanesborough

    30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA

    *Place: Mount Greylock State Reservation

    *Times: 9:30am and 12:30pm

    *Two hikes. Pre-registration required HERE
    2 mile hike
    Hot chocolate and fire after hike in visitor center

     

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