Massachusetts Kicks Off 2025 with Exciting First Day Hikes in Parks Across the State!

Boston — In line with the agency’s persistent commitment to provide recreational activities for residents and families, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is set to once again welcome the new year with complimentary guided First Day Hikes at state parks throughout Massachusetts. On January 1, 2025, DCR will celebrate the agency’s 34^th annual First Day Hikes initiative in 14 parks statewide – from South Cape Beach State Park in Mashpee to the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls.

First Day Hikes is a hallmark DCR program that began in 1992 when 400 individuals gathered at Blue Hills Reservation in Milton to greet the new year. The initiative seeks to encourage outdoor recreation year-round and motivate residents and families to explore the splendor of the Massachusetts State Parks system. Over the years, the initiative has grown to include parks across the state. After two decades of success in Massachusetts, the initiative was embraced nationally in 2012 with the support of America’s State Parks, extending the First Day Hikes program to all 50 states.

“We are a state known for our pioneering traditions, and the legacy of our First Day Hikes exemplifies that pride,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As we honor MA250, we are excited to continue this initiative that unites individuals from diverse backgrounds – across generations, abilities, and communities – to kick off their year by enjoying our stunning state parks.”

“This custom, which began right here in Massachusetts, provides residents with a distinctive way to commence their new year with wellness and joy,” remarked Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “First Day Hikes offer an excellent chance for families and friends to appreciate our beautiful state parks and foster year-round outdoor activity in our communal areas.”

“First Day Hikes bring communities together, promote outdoor exploration, and highlight the beauty of our state – yet another instance of Massachusetts leading the charge,” stated Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We wholeheartedly encourage all to commence their new year by partaking in one of these hikes, where individuals can explore our state parks while acknowledging the significant role these areas play in safeguarding the health of our environment.”

“One of our aspirations at DCR is to encourage more families to enjoy our incredible state parks and nurture the next generation of environmental advocates, and First Day Hikes is an excellent way to achieve this,” commented DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We eagerly anticipate welcoming Massachusetts residents and families to one of our 14 hikes across the state this New Year’s Day, as they connect with nature and experience everything our state parks system offers.”

The initiative has become a cherished tradition for many statewide, with individuals of all ages gathering each New Year’s Day to ring in the new year outdoors in DCR parks. On January 1, 2024, over 3,000 participants began their year with a First Day Hike in a DCR location. Attendees can join the hikes at agency parks in Boston, Saugus, Rockport, Concord, North Andover, Mashpee, Uxbridge, Gardner, Townsend, West Boylston, Worcester, Turner Falls, and Chester.

This year, DCR will present hikers with a First Day Hike winter hat along with a commemorative pin. Each hat will come with a note detailing the history of the First Day Hike Initiative – another “first” from Massachusetts and its connection to MA250.

DCR provides remarkable natural, recreational, and cultural resources for visitors to discover, along with outstanding activities and programs year-round. The First Day Hikes this year will range from one to five miles, varying by location. DCR advises participants to dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water. Adverse weather, including rain, snow, or icy trail conditions may lead to the cancellation of the hike. Participants should reach out to the park for confirmation regarding hike operations. Further information, including locations, difficulty levels, distance, terrain, and age recommendations, can be found on DCR’s website. Participants are encouraged to share photos of their hiking experiences on social media with the tag @MassDCR. Additionally, most venues will provide hot chocolate post-hike.

DCR’s First Day Hikes will take place at the following 14 sites and times:

BOSTON

Pope John Paul II Park Reservation – 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Hallet Street, Boston

1 mile hike

Meet at the kiosk located at the Hallet Street entrance at the intersection of Hill Top Street and Hallet Street

Join DCR personnel for a 1-mile guided walk on paved paths along the Neponset River. Hot chocolate will be available after the hike. Friendly dogs on a leash are welcomed.

Co-sponsored by the Neponset River Greenway Council

NORTH

Breakheart Reservation – 10 a.m.

177 Forest St., Saugus

2 or 3 mile hike, two trail options

Gather at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center

Breakheart will offer two guided First Day Hikes – a 2-mile hike and a 3-mile hike through the paved loops of the Reservation. Hikers will observe animal tracks and enjoy views of the Lower and Upper Ponds. Hot chocolate and clam chowder from Kelly’s Roast Beef will be served by the fireplace in the Visitor Center after the hike.

Co-sponsored by the Friends of Breakheart Reservation

Halibut Point State Park – 10 a.m.

4 Gott Avenue, Rockport

3 mile hike

Meet at the park entrance near the parking lot

Hikers will appreciate the seasonal scenic beauty, including wintering ducks and birds while walking along the coastal water’s edge. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

Co-sponsored by the Friends of Halibut Point State Park

Harold Parker State Forest – 10 a.m.

700 Middleton Road, North Andover

2 mile hike

Meet at Berry Pond Beach

Hikers will traverse from Berry Pond to Salem Pond and back.

Co-sponsored by the Friends of Harold Parker State Forest

Walden Pond State Reservation – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (self-guided)

915 Walden Street, Concord

Under 2-mile hike

Begin at the Walden Visitor Center. The Visitor Center will be open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Hikers can progress at their own speed on a self-guided hike along Walden Pond. Interpretive signage will assist visitors along the 1.5-mile trail. Hot chocolate will be available in the Visitor Center post-hike.

SOUTH

South Cape Beach State Park – 10 a.m.

668 Great Oak Road, Mashpee

1-2 mile hike

Gather in the parking area

Accompany DCR staff for a walk along the beach with vistas of Martha’s Vineyard. Staff will discuss research conducted at nearby salt marshes. Hot chocolate will be available after the hike.

Co-sponsored by Friends of Waquoit Bay

Blue Hills Reservation – 12 p.m.

860 Hillside Street, Milton

Two guided hikes

and a self-led trek at 12 p.m.  

Assemble at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center at 11 a.m.  

Co-Sponsored by Friends of the Blue Hills and Trailside Museum 

Parking and availability are restricted. No parking is permitted outside DCR property. 

Beginning at 11 a.m., attendees can observe a Blue Hills Trailside live wildlife exhibition at Houghton’s Pond with staff from Mass Audubon while they gather near a warming fire. Two easy to moderate hikes will commence at noon. A self-guided hiking option will also be available for those preferring solitude.

CENTRAL 

Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center – 10 a.m. 

3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester 

5-mile trek  

Gather at the Visitor Center. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. 

Participants may bring their leashed dogs for a hike along the Blackstone River Greenway, where they will encounter urban wildlife and remnants of the area’s industrial history. 
 

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park – 10 a.m. 

287 Oak Street, Uxbridge 

1.5 mile trek 

Assemble at the River Bend Farm Visitor Center for registration at 9 a.m.   

Hikers will stroll along the canal towpath with river views as they search for signs of winter along the waterways and forest. After the hike, they can warm up by the fire in the Visitor Center.  

Dunn State Park – 10 a.m. 

289 Pearl St., Gardner  

1.5 mile trek 

Gather at the Pond House for sign-up at 9 a.m. 

Participants will traverse the Woodland Trail to the Pond Loop Trail while searching for signs of winter wildlife. Well-mannered dogs on a leash are permitted.

Accessible trek – 11 a.m.  

Co-led by DCR’s Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures.  

Register by noon on December 31 by calling 413-584-2052 or emailing [email protected].  

Hikers can warm up in the Pond House with hot cocoa after their trek.

Pearl Hill State Park – 10 a.m. 

105 New Fitchburg Road, Townsend  

2 mile trek 

Assemble at 105 New Fitchburg Rd, Townsend. Registration starts at 9 a.m.   

Hikers will discover the natural resources and wildlife of the forest while traversing the Friends Trail loop.

Wachusett Reservoir – 11 a.m. 

167 Temple St. (Rt 140), West Boylston  

2.2 mile trek 

Gather at Gate 22 on Rt 140 starting at 10 a.m. 

Hikers will enjoy picturesque views of the water supply that delivers clean drinking water to over 3 million residents in Massachusetts.

WEST 

Great Falls Discovery Center – 1 p.m. 

2 Avenue A, Turners Falls 

3 mile trek 

Meet in the Great Hall 

Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center 

This family-friendly hike follows a gentle path and offers a chance to explore the natural, historical, and cultural aspects that characterize the Great Falls Discovery Center and Canalside Rail Trail.

Chester Blandford State Forest – 10 a.m. 

631 U.S. Route 20, Chester 

2-mile trek 

Assemble at Sanderson Brook Falls Parking Lot 

Co-sponsored by the Western MA Hilltown Hikers 

Hikers will admire the scenic Sanderson Brook Falls as they journey along the Sanderson Brook Falls Trail.

Visitors are also encouraged to craft their own First Day Hike adventure at a nearby state park. Additional details on self-guided hikes can be found on the agency’s website, which highlights nearly 70 facilities throughout the state.

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