First Day Hikes Happening Across Mass. On New Year's Day

MILFORD, MA — It's going to be sunny and relatively warm on New Year's Day in Massachusetts. So why not start 2020 off with a hike?

State park systems across the U.S. — including the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation — participate in the First Day Hikes program on New Year's Day. The program offers guided group hikes along local trails, and in many cases free refreshments like hot chocolate.

The First Day Hikes happening in the MetroWest and Worcester areas include:

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
287 Oak Street, Uxbridge, 1 p.m.
Boots Along the Blackstone First Day Hike flyer

Wachusett Reservoir
Gate 22, 211 Temple St., West Boylston, 11 a.m.
Wachusett Reservoir First Day Hike flyer

Walden Pond State Reservation
915 Walden Street, Concord, noon
Walden Pond First Day Hike flyer

You can find more First Day Hikes happening across the state on the DCR website. Here are some other suggestions for local hikes to start off the new year.

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, 198 Purgatory Road, Sutton — This short hike in Sutton sounds scary, but it's an easy, family-friendly stroll through a strange rock formation. The hike through the chasm is only about a mile roundtrip, but there are five other trails in this reservation to extend your tour. Parking is free in winter.

King Phillip's Overlook — Hike to this historical cliff at the Rocky Narrows reservation in Sherborn. Wampanoag chief Metacom (also called King Phillip) apparently used this overlook during a brief war in the late 1600s with land-grabbing English settlers. Today, it provides a sweeping view of the Charles River. Park in the at the Rocky Narrows trail head. Only about six spots available.

East-West Trail, Worcester — This 14-mile trail crosses the city of Worcester, touching some of the city's nicest parks. For a quicker hike, park at Bancroft Tower and take the trail to the top of nearby Newton Hill. Plenty of parking, museums, and restaurants nearby.

Upper Charles Trail, Milford — Park at the Upper Charles Trail along Route 85 in Milford and enjoy access to a 13-mile paved multi-use path that goes almost to Framingham. A great option for parents with strollers or bicyclists. But there are also plenty of unpaved trails you can grab to explore the rocky woods around the Charles River.

Whitehall State Park, 300 Wood St., Hopkinton — For a good workout, take the six-mile loop trail around Whitehall Reservoir. The trail is mostly flat, but it's a long hike with plenty of sweeping water views. Just watch out for the beavers. Plenty of free parking at the boat launch along Route 135.