Salem Announces First Day Hikes

From the City of Salem

Salem, MA – The City of Salem is partnering with the National Park Service to participate in First Day Hikes, a national initiative established by America’s State Parks.

Salem’s First Day Hikes will begin at the Salem Common Playground at 10 a.m. on January 1st. Participants can choose to walk around the Salem Common and then to the Derby Wharf Lighthouse, or a shorter route that begins at Derby Wharf and goes to the lighthouse. The attached map has more details on the hike routes.

This is the second year the City, its Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, Salem Mass in Motion office, and National Park Service have participated together in the First Day Hikes programs, which offers residents and visitors an opportunity to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature, and celebrate the New Year with family and friends.

“I invite all Salem residents to join us in using this New Year’s Day event as the first step to start their new year with exercise and enjoying the outdoors and our historic sites with their friends and neighbors,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll.

The Derby Wharf lighthouse will be open for viewing and local historian Jim McAllister will be on hand to discuss the history of the lighthouse and the maritime site itself.

"Salem's outstanding quality of life is built around its history, its open spaces and its people. Come out on New Year’s Day to enjoy all three and put your best foot forward,” said National Parks Superintendent Paul DePrey.

At the end of the walk, participants are invited to gather for cookies and hot chocolate at the Waite & Peirce Store at the Historic Site.

Images via the City of Salem.