Take A Hike At MA State Parks To Celebrate New Year's Day 2024

TOWNSEND, MA — Outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for something fun and healthy to do on New Year's Day can take part in one of the state's First Day Hikes at state parks across Massachusetts on Monday.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is hosting the hikes for a 33rd year — with some including guided instruction, hot chocolate and even free snacks.

"First Day Hikes brings people of all ages, backgrounds, and demographics together with a common goal of starting their year off at our state parks," Gov. Maura Healey said. "We are proud to continue this cherished tradition that encourages communities to come together, take in fresh air, and experience the beauty of our state."

This year, the DCR expects thousands of visitors to take part in hikes in Saugus, Rockport, Stoneham, Concord, East Falmouth, Uxbridge, Gardner, Townsend, West Boylston, Turner Falls, Chester and Lanesborough.

The hikes range from one to three miles depending on location.

Weather is expected to be favorable for getting outdoors with clear and chilly conditions expected on Monday morning.

Here are this year's locations along with any additional perks for participants.

NORTH

Breakheart Reservation – 10 a.m.

177 Forest Street, Saugus 2–3-mile hike

Meet at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center.

Hot chocolate and clam chowder will be served by the fire in the visitor

center after the hike.

Co-sponsored by the Friends of Breakheart

Halibut Point State Park – 10 a.m.

4 Gott Avenue, Rockport 3-mile hike

Meet at parking lot at 9 a.m.

Co-sponsored by the Friends of Halibut Point State Park

Middlesex Fells Reservation – 10 a.m.

4 Woodland Road, Stoneham

1.5- or 3-mile hikes and bike ride

Meet at the Botume House for hikes and the Marjam Lot for the bike ride.

Hot chocolate will be served in the Botume House after the hike

Co-sponsored by Friends of the Middlesex Fells and NEMBA

Walden Pond State Reservation – 12 p.m.

915 Walden Street, Concord

1 mile hike

Meet at the Thoreau House Replica

Hot chocolate will be served in the Thoreau House Replica after the hike.

SOUTH

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve – 10 a.m.

131 Waquoit Highway, East Falmouth

1 mile hike

Meet at the visitor center

Hot chocolate will be served in the visitor center after the hike.

Blue Hills Reservation – 12 p.m.

840 Hillside Street, Milton

Gather at Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area at 11 a.m. Two guided hikes and one self-guided hike at 12 p.m.

Hot chocolate will be served after the hike

Co-Sponsored by Friends of the Blue Hills

Parking and space are limited. There is no parking outside DCR property

CENTRAL

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park – 10 a.m.

287 Oak Street, Uxbridge

2-mile hike

Meet at the River Bend Farm Visitor Center for registration at 9 a.m.

Hot chocolate will be served after the hike.

Dunn State Park – 10 a.m.

289 Pearl Street, Gardner

1.5-mile hike

Meet at the Pond House for registration at 9 a.m.

Hot chocolate will be served after the hike in the Pond House.

Willard Brook State Forest – 10 a.m.

599 Main Street, Townsend

1.5-mile hike

Meet at the Headquarters for registration at 9 a.m.

Hot chocolate will be served after the hike in headquarters.

Wachusett Reservoir – 11 a.m.

167 Temple Street (Rt 140), West Boylston

2-mile hike

Meet at Gate 22 on Rt 140 starting at 10a.m.

WEST

Great Falls Discovery Center – 1 p.m.

2 Avenue A, Turners Falls

3-mile hike

Meet at the Great Hall

Hot chocolate will be served in the visitor center after the hike.

Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center

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

Mount Greylock State Reservation – 10 a.m.

30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough

2-mile hike

Open House followed up with self-guided hike.

Hot chocolate will be served after the hike in the visitor center.

Families are also encouraged to create their own First Day Hike adventure at a state park
close to home.

More information on self-guided hikes is available on the DCR website, which features almost 70 facilities statewide.