First Day Hikes Across Massachusetts

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Since 1992, First Day Hikes have been a New Year’s Day tradition in state parks all across Massachusetts. What started here has now expanded to every state in the country.  Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first timer, there’s a hike for you. Most guided First Day Hike events require preregistration, so be sure to check the link before heading out on the trail.

Here are a few tips for your First Day Hike: familiarize yourself with the trail and download a trail map before you leave home – not all locations have maps available, and GPS may not be available. It should be cold in Massachusetts in December, so dress appropriately!  

First Day Hikes by Region in Massachusetts

In Boston, you can check out Pope John Paul II Park Reservation from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. – meet at the Hallet Street Entrance. 

There are 2 hikes South of Boston. At Blue Hills, where the First Day hike tradition originally began, you can join on an easy-to-moderate group hike or opt for a self-guided hike. Meet at 11:00 a.m. for the noon hike. In Mashpee, don’t miss a one-mile hike at the South Cape Beach State Park, starting at 10:00 a.m. Warm up with a hot cocoa afterward! 

There are scheduled hikes at 4 different parks North of Boston. There will be 2 hikes at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus – a 2-mile and 3-mile hike – both starting at 10:00 a.m. Join Park officials to view animal tracks, the Upper and Lower ponds, and save room for clam chowder from Kelly’s Roast Beef in the Visitor’s Center after the hike. At Halibut State Park in Rockport, meet at 10:00 a.m. to see ducks and birds along the coast. In North Andover at Harold Parker State Forest, you can join other hikers from Berry Pond to Salem Pond and back – about 2 miles, starting at 10:00 a.m. Finally, at Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord, enjoy a self-guided hike from the Visitor’s Center around the 1.5-mile trail. 

Across Central Massachusetts, there are 5 hikes scheduled. A 2-mile hike at Blackstone in Uxbridge will start at 10:00 a.m. Along the Blackstone River Greenway, there will be a 5-mile hick beginning at 10:00 a.m. Head over to Dunn State Park in Gardner for a 1.5-mile hike starting at 10:00 a.m., or an accessible hike starting at 11:00 a.m. In Townsend starting at 10:00 a.m., there will be a first day hike around the Friends Trail loop at Pearl Hill State Park. Finally, meet at Gate 22 in the Wachusett Reservoir at 11:00 a.m. for a scenic hike. 

In Western Massachusetts, meet at the Chester Blandford State Forest at 10:00 a.m. for a 2-mile walk along the Sanderson Brook Falls Trail, or head to Great Falls Discovery Center at 1:00 p.m. for a 3-mile walk on their Canalside Rail Trail. 

From Mashpee to Wellfleet and lots of spots in-between, the Cape has an abundance of First Day Hike offerings with 18 events planned by 16 organizations! The day starts at 6:30 a.m. at Sandy Neck Beach in West Barnstable and concludes in Barnstable at the Orenda Wildlife Land Trust. 

Which First Day Hike are you looking forward to?

If you’re heading out for a First Day Hike, use #FirstDayHike and tag @VisitMA and your local hiking spot. This is a great way to share your experience with others and inspire others to take a hike in Massachusetts – this winter and all year round! 

TOPICS: Barnstable, Boston, Chester, concord, First Day, Hiking, Mashpee, North Andover, Rockport, Wellfleet