Don't Shop, Hike: MA DCR Offers Free Black Friday Guided Tours

MASSACHUSETTS — Which sounds better: a feeding-frenzy over a discounted flat screen TV, or a sunny amble through one of the state's nicest natural areas?

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation on Black Friday will offer a series of free guided tours at five natural sites across the state. The "Go Green on Black Friday Hike" series offers an outdoor alternative to the shopping holiday.

The push to go outdoors on Black Friday actually has a retail link. In 2015, Seattle-based REI Co-op decided to keep its stores closed on the day after Thanksgiving in a bid to urge people to "Opt Outside." The campaign has continued each year and is now permanent.

Here are the go-green hikes in Massachusetts in 2022, according to DCR:

Blue Hills Reservation, Milton — 10 a.m. to noon. This 3-mile moderate hike is the perfect way to burn off that turkey and enjoy the beauty of nature. Directions

Borderland State Park, North Easton — 1 to 3 p.m. Join the park staff for a moderate paced 4-mile hike to Bob’s Trail. Hike is mostly flat. Directions.

Great Falls Discovery Center, Turners Falls — 1 to 2:30 p.m. This walk is about 3 miles long, on a level paved surface, making for an easy stroll appropriate for adults and children ages 8 and up. Directions.

Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover — 10 a.m. to noon. We will be hiking for about 2 miles for a couple of hours on moderate trails. Directions.

Nasketucket Bay State Reservation, Mattapoisett — 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Moderate 3-mile walk along fields, rocky coast, and holly/beech forest. Trails are mostly level and easy; one difficult section over rocky coastline. Directions.