Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Not sure what to do on the first day of 2025? Take a hike!
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) hosted their 34th annual “First Day Hikes” event. 14 state parks across the state hosted guided hikes to help ring in the New Year.
The “First Day Hikes” tradition started in 1992, when 400 hikers gathered at the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton. In the 32 years since, the tradition has grown to parks across the state and even nationally as recently as 2012.
“We are a state of firsts, and the tradition of First Day Hikes stands as a proud example of that,” said Governor Maura Healey last week. “As we celebrate MA250, we are proud to continue this initiative that brings together people of all walks of life - across generations, backgrounds, abilities, and communities- to start their year off by getting outside to take in our amazing state parks.”
WBZ NewsRadio caught up with Peter Rossetti, president of Friends of Breakheart Reservation, who emphasized the importance of hiking.
"It's a good thing because number one it connects people with nature, which is a great thing [and] it's good exercise," he said.
"I'm an artist, so every turn just seemed like a painting to me, just the different tones of greens and browns, just the whole mood of it was inspirational," said K.J., a hiker from Lynn.
Last year’s event was a success when more than 3,000 people participated in a First Day hike at a DCR hike to kick off 2024.
DCR First Day Hikes will take place at the following 14 state parks across Massachusetts:
BOSTON
Pope John Paul II Park Reservation – 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
DCR will lead a 1-mile hike along the Neponset River, meeting at the Hallet St. entrance.
NORTH
Breakheart Reservation – 10 a.m.
DCR will offer two hikes, one two-mile option and a three-mile option on two different trails. The hike will meet at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center 177 Forest St., Saugus.
Halibut Point State Park – 10 a.m.
DCR will lead a three-mile hike along the water’ edge. 4 Gott Avenue, Rockport.
Harold Parker State Forest – 10 a.m.
Hikers will meet at Berry Pond Beach and hike a two-mile trail from Berry Pond to Salem Pond and back. 700 Middleton Road, North Andover.
Walden Pond State Reservation – 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (self-guided)
Hikers will be able to set their own pace on this self-guided hike along Walden Pond with interpretive signage assisting hikers along the one-and-a-half-mile trail. 915 Walden Street, Concord.
SOUTH
South Cape Beach State Park – 10 a.m.
DCR staff will lead a 1.2 mile along the shores of Martha’s Vineyard. 668 Great Oak Road, Mashpee. The hike will meet in the parking lot.
Blue Hills Reservation – 12 p.m.
The Blue Hills Reservation will lead two guided hikes and one self-guided hike option, with both hikes meeting at the Houghton Pond Visitor Center, 860 Hillside Street, Milton.
CENTRAL
Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center – 10 a.m.
This five-mile hike will meet at the Visitor Center with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. Leashed dogs are also welcome. 3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester.
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park – 10 a.m.
This 1.5-mile hike will meet at the River Bend Farm Visitor Center for registration at 9 a.m. Hikers will walk along the canal towpath with a view of the river. 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge.
Dunn State Park – 10 a.m.
This 1.5-mile hike will meet at the Pond House for registration at 9 a.m. Hikers will walk the Woodland Trail to the Pond Loop Trail. Leashed dogs are also welcome. 289 Pearl Street., Gardner.
Pearl Hill State Park – 10 a.m.
This two-mile hike will meet at 105 New Fitchburg Rd, Townsend, with registration beginning at 9 a.m.
Wachusett Reservoir – 11 a.m.
This 2.2-mile hike will meet at Gate 22 on Rt. 140 at 10 a.m. 167 Temple Street, West Boylston.
WEST
Great Falls Discovery Center – 1 p.m.
This three-mile hike will meet at the Great Hall and follow a gentle route. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls.
Chester Blandford State Forest – 10 a.m.
This two-mile hike will meet at the Sanderson Brook Falls Parking Lot and offer views of the scenic Sanderson Brook Falls along the Sanderson Brook Falls Trail. 631 U.S. Route 20, Chester.