'First Day Hikes' Across Massachusetts Will Ring In 2023

MASSACHUSETTS — An annual first-day tradition returns on the first day of 2023.

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation is planning a series of "first-day hikes" to celebrate the arrival of a new year. This year's slate of hikes runs the gamut from the tallest mountain in Massachusetts to a philosopher's favorite pond.

Massachusetts began the first-day hike tradition 30 years ago, and now almost every state parks department does something similar.

"Massachusetts is known for starting revolutions, so on Jan. 1, 1992, when 380 people gathered for the premier First Day Hike at the Blue Hills Reservation it is no surprise that this Massachusetts outdoor initiative swept the nation," the agency said. "DCR celebrates over 30 years of this tradition in Massachusetts.  Today, all 50 states are offering First Day Hikes in state parks across the country!"

Here are all the first-day hikes planned for Jan. 1, according to DCR:

Blackstone First Day Hike — 10 a.m., 287 Oak St., Uxbridge. Meet at the Visitor Center. Registration begins at 9:00 am. 1-1/2 mile hike. Hot chocolate in visitor center after hike
Co-sponsored by the Blackstone Heritage Corridor.

Breakheart Reservation First Day Hike — 10 a.m., 177 Forest St., Saugus. A pair of 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.

Great Falls Discovery Center First Day Hike — 1 p.m., 2 Ave. A, Turners Falls. Meet at the main entrance for a 3-mile hike. Hot chocolate in visitor center after the hike. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center.

Halibut Point SP First Day Hike — 10 a.m., 4 Gott Ave., Rockport. Meet at parking lot starting at 9:00am for a 2-mile hike. Co-Sponsored by the Friends of Halibut Point State Park.

Middlesex Fells First Day Hike — 10 a.m., 4 Woodland Rd, Stoneham. Meet at the Botume House 1 to 2 mile-long hike. Hot chocolate will be served in Botume House after the hike. Co-Sponsored by Friends of the Middlesex Fells.

Mt. Greylock First Day Hike — 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough. Two hikes. Pre-registration required. Hot chocolate and fire after hike in visitor center.

Purgatory Chasm SR First Day Hike — 2 p.m., 198 Purgatory Road, Sutton. Meet at the Visitor Center. Registration begins 1:00pm. 1-1.5 mile hike. Hot chocolate served after hike in visitor center

Wachusett Reservoir First Day Hike — 11 a.m., 167 Temple St. (Route 140), West Boylston. Meet at Gate 22 on Rt 140 starting at 10:00am 2-mile hike Warm up with hot chocolate after hike. No dogs allowed.

Walden Pond Park First Day Hike — 915 Walden St, Concord. Meet at the Visitor Center for a 1-mile-long hike. Hot chocolate will be served in the visitor center after the hike.