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
This New Year's Day enjoy a #FirstDayHike hosted at @MassDCR parks across the Commonwealth! Head on down to Blackstone Canal & Heritage State Park in Uxbridge for a 1.5 mile hike along the level canal towpath & enjoy some hot chocolate after! For details: https://t.co/YVcOAyI7cY pic.twitter.com/R3BAD3Thqt
— MassDCR (@MassDCR) December 19, 20222. 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 centerThis Jan. 1st head to Purgatory Chasm in Sutton for a 1.5 mile #FirstDayHike to walk Charley's Loop and look for signs of wildlife. Check the link for details on the other First Day Hikes across the Commonwealth! For details on this and more hikes: https://t.co/YVcOAyZI4w pic.twitter.com/J6DiypdNy2
— MassDCR (@MassDCR) December 20, 20223. 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
Celebrate the New Year with a #FirstDayHike at Wachusett Reservoir and traverse its shores and trails to learn the history & importance of the water supply that provides clean water to 3.1 million people! For details on this and more hikes: https://t.co/YVcOAyI7cY pic.twitter.com/bYF4Fxbo4o
— MassDCR (@MassDCR) December 21, 20224. 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 BreakheartHow does a #FirstDayHike on the paved loops of Breakheart Reservation in Saugus sound this Jan 1st? How about TWO hikes!? Enjoy a 2-mile or 3-mile guided hike & then some cocoa or clam chowder by the Visitor Center fire! For more on this and other hikes: https://t.co/YVcOAyI7cY pic.twitter.com/Z2u9cJMBro
— MassDCR (@MassDCR) December 22, 20225. 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 ParkA two-mile hike around the paths of Halibut Point State Park in Rockport could be just the unique setting for a #FirstDayHike that you've been looking for! Check out the old quarry, views of Ipswich Bay, and more! For details on this and more hikes: https://t.co/YVcOAyI7cY pic.twitter.com/fxynWzZeIj
— MassDCR (@MassDCR) December 23, 20226. 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 HEREStart off the New Year with some good company, good hiking, and a cup of hot chocolate after a 1-2 mile #FirstDayHike around Middlesex Fells in Stoneham. Meet at the Botume House at 4 Woodland Road. For details on this & more hikes: https://t.co/YVcOAyI7cY pic.twitter.com/smacucK7GF
— MassDCR (@MassDCR) December 27, 20227. 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 hikeFirst day hike at Walden Pond, Concord, MA. pic.twitter.com/10wj0cXKwS
— Sherry Pagoto (@DrSherryPagoto) January 1, 20158. 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 Hills9. 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 Center10. 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