MA First Day Hikes: Start 2019 With These Free Hikes Tuesday

You can start 2019 by participating in one of the First Day Hikes across the state, giving that New Year's resolution of staying active a head start. The beginning of the year isn't giving you many excuses, either - it's going to be dry and in the 50s Tuesday.

The Department of Conservation & Recreation is organizing the annual hikes, which started in 1992 before becoming a national event in 2012. This year, all 50 states will take part.

Below are where the walks will take place Tuesday:

BOSTON

Paul Revere’s Lantern Walk, noon - Old North Church Historic Site, 193 Salem Street, Boston.

• Meet at the Old North Church Courtyard on Unity Street
• Travel from the North End to Charlestown and learn about Paul Revere’s Ride
• Hot chocolate will be available after the walk at the DCR Steriti Memorial Rink

CENTRAL MA
Boots Along the Blackstone First Day Hike, 1 p.m. - Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Par, 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge

• Meet at the Visitor Center. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.
• Warm up after the hike at the River Bend Farm Visitor Center with hot cocoa and conversation

Willard Brook Winter Wander, 10 a.m. - Willard Brook State Forest, 599 Main Street, West Townsend

• Meet at the Damon Pond Picnic Area near the junction of Rt. 119 and 31

Wachusett Reservoir First Day Hike, 10 a.m. - Wachusett Reservoir, Sterling

• Meet at Gate 35 at the intersection of Route 110 and Chace Hill Road, Sterling

NORTH OF BOSTON

Walden Pond First Day Hike, noon - Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden Street/Route 126, Concord

• Meet at the new Visitor Center
• Hot chocolate and light snacks will be available after the hike

Breakheart Reservation First Day Hike, 10 a.m. - Breakheart Reservation, 177 Forest Street, Saugus

• Meet at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center
• Clam Chowder will be served following the hike

Harold Parker SR First Day Hike, 10 a.m. - Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover

• Meet at the Headquarters, 305 Middleton Rd., North Andover
• Warm up with a fire, hot chocolate and refreshments

SOUTH OF BOSTON

Blue Hills Reservation First Day Hike, 1 p.m. - Blue Hills Reservation, 1:00 pm

• Meet at Houghton’s Pond Parking Lot
• 840 Hillside Street, Milton, MA
• Meet Blue Hills Wildlife from noon – 1pm with Mass Audubon staff
• Hot chocolate and snacks on sale at noon with Venture Scouting
• Hikes begin at 1pm. Please arrive early and allow time for parking

Nantasket Beach First Day Hike/Stroll, 11 a.m. - Nantasket Beach Reservation, Route 3A, Hull

• Meet at the MJM Bathhouse, 204 Nantasket Ave., MA
• Hot beverage follows the hike

Nickerson State Park First Day Hike, 11 a.m. - Nickerson State Park, 3488 Main Street, Brewster

• Meet at the Main Lot by the entrance
• Enjoy Hot Chocolate after the hike

WEST OF BOSTON
Great Falls Discovery Center Canalside Rail Trail Stroll, 1 p.m. - Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls

• Meet in the Great Hall
• Hot chocolate will be served following the hike

Granville State Forest First Day Hike, 10:30 a.m. - Granville State Forest, 323 West Hartland Road, Granville

• Meet at the Park Headquarters
• Warm up afterward around a fire with a warm beverage

13th Annual New Year's Day Walk With Waltham Land Trust, 12:30 p.m. OR 1 p.m. 186 Prospect Hill Rd off Main Street, Waltham

• Meet at 12:30 p.m. at the Starbucks at 1265 Main St. (near Market Basket)
• Or meet at 1 p.m. at the South Gate of Prospect Hill Park, by 186 Prospect Hill Rd
• Expansive views of Boston
• Treats provided

Photo of Middlesex Fells by Jeff Meese, used with permission.