7 New Year's First Day Hikes In Massachusetts For 2022

WORCESTER, MA — New Year's Day is an official hiking holiday. The "first day hikes" movement urges local residents to use the first 24 hours of the year to explore a local park — state, city, national or otherwise.

There are about 1 million great hikes to do in central Massachusetts alone. We've assembled a few suggestions here, all tested and approved by your local Patch editor. Whether you want a new exercise challenge or just some fresh air, the following treks are suitable for all skill levels.

One note about the weather: it's probably going to rain most of the day Saturday, although temperatures will be above 40. It's very possible — and even pretty enjoyable — to hike in the rain, just bring a jacket, boots and pay attention while heading up and down steep trails.

Green Hill Park

Worcester's largest park offers lots of hiking opportunities. Park near the state Vietnam War memorial for access to the grassy hilltop overlooking the city. Head northeast from the memorial to explore a network of trails that lead to old cart paths along the backside of the former state hospital property. There are plenty of other attractions, including a new World War I memorial and a zoo with farm animals.

Find more details here.

Mt. Grace

Mt. Grace is an easy hike in Warwick that features a fire tower at the summit. If you dare climb the tower, you'll get an unobstructed view in almost every direction. The hike is about 2-1/2 miles roundtrip. If you can't stomach the fire tower, there are miles of trails to explore in the adjoining Northfield and Warwick state forests.

Find more details here

Mt. Wachusett - Echo Lake trail

This is perhaps the quickest, easiest way to summit the tallest mountain in the region. The Echo Lake trail starts at a small parking lot along Mountain Road at the southeast end of the state reservation. From there, it's only about 1.3 miles to the summit, and that means you can be at the top in about 30 minutes — perfect for an early morning sunrise view (7:16 a.m. on New Year's Day, by the way, if there aren't any clouds).

Find more details here

Callahan State Park

New year, new state park. The part of Callahan State Park in Marlborough grew by 33 acres in 2021, giving local residents a lot to explore. The new parcel is located near the intersection of Parmenter, Edmands and Pine Hill roads. If you've never been to the park, it's a sprawling 800-acre expanse that touches Framingham, Sudbury and Marlborough with almost endless hiking trails.

Find more details here

Mt. Holyoke Range

Challenge yourself on New Year's Day and hike an entire mountain range. It's possible at this state park near Amherst. Starting at the Notch Visitors Center along Route 116, you can hike about 3-1/2 miles along a ridge called "the Seven Sisters" (because there are seven summits) all the way to the namesake Mt. Holyoke. Fun fact: this range is part of the trap rock Metacomet Ridge that starts at East Rock Park in New Haven, Conn.

Find details here

Mt. Greylock

This is it: the big one. Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts, and the spectacular summit views make it a great pick to start the year. But it's not a difficult hike to the top. Take the Gould Trail that hooks around the southern end of the mountain, and it's only about 3 miles to the summit. The trail is steep in some spots, but less so than some routes up Wachusett.

Find more details here

Trolley Brook Trail

Elevation not your thing? Check out the newest rail trail in the area (newer than the Cochituate Rail Trail even) in Ashland. The Trolley Brook trail is part of the Sherborn-to-Milford Upper Charles Trail, but doesn't connect directly to it yet. Hop on this trail at the end of Megunko Road and take it to Memorial Drive near the Ashland commuter rail station. From there you can cross Pleasant Street and head down Ponderosa Road to link up with the town's new riverwalk trail.