Massachusetts Marks 35th First Day Hike With Free Guided Walks at 16 State Parks

Massachusetts is kicking off the new year with the First Day Hike tradition. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) invites members of the public to explore state parks and natural areas on Jan. 1 and start the new year outdoors.

The year 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of the First Day Hike. Free guided hikes will be held across 16 participating parks, including Harold Parker State Forest near North Andover. A guided hike will start at 10 a.m. there on New Year's Day at Berry Pond, 700 Middleton Road. 

The guided walk will take place from one pond to another — Berry to Salem — and back. The distance is approximately 2 miles, and the hike is expected to take about 90 minutes.

In addition to North Andover, hikes will also take place at other DCR properties across the state. Hikes range from one to three miles and vary in difficulty and terrain. DCR advises participants to wear proper footwear, dress for winter weather, and bring water.

Inclement weather could result in cancellations. Hikers are encouraged to contact parks in advance. 

For more information on the First Day Hikes, call the Harold Parker State Forest at 978-475-7972.

According to an Eagle-Tribune report, First Day Hikes were founded in 1992, when approximately 400 hikers gathered at Blue Hills Reservation in Milton to start the new year. Since that time, DCR has led thousands of hikers onto trails across the state each Jan. 1, showcasing Massachusetts' winter landscapes and encouraging outdoor activity beyond the warmer months. 

The First Day Hikes program has consistently received a favorable response from the public, leading to a nationwide expansion through America's State Parks in 2012.

This year's First Day Hikes align with the beginning of the 250th anniversary celebrations of America's independence.