Boston Area First Day Hikes 2026

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Dates:	Thursday, January 1, 2026 - Thursday, January 1, 2026
Hours:	Hours Vary see below
Ages:	Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:	Outdoor
Cost:	Free
Category:	Get Some Exercise

Join the Department of Conservation and Recreation for FIRST DAY Hikes JANUARY 1, 2026 Share your state park adventures with MA DCR. Visit www.mass.gov for more information.

Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hill Reservation to welcome the new year with a walk in the woods.

That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire the nation.

In case of inclement weather, please call the park for cancellation updates.

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 10:00am–11:30am
Meeting Location: 287 Oak Street, Uxbridge
GPS: 42.094066706755356, -71.6238228755519
Walk along the canal towpath and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Blackstone River in winter. Free hot chocolate and firepits after the hike.
More info: bit.ly/blstupdates
ADA info: [email protected]

Blackstone River Greenway Visitor Center (Worcester)
Date & Time: January 1, 2026 — Registration: 9:30am–10:00am, Hike: 10:00am–11:30am
Meeting Location: 3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester
GPS: 42.236362426653436, -71.79572796441792
Paved 3-mile hike with views of the Blackstone River. Hot chocolate at the Visitor Center after the hike.
Call (508) 373-7056 for details.

Wachusett Reservoir
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 10:00am–12:00pm
Meeting Location: 168 Temple St, West Boylston
GPS: 42.35303650278069, -71.76495854232945
2-mile round trip hike with scenic views. No dogs allowed (except service animals).
More info: (617) 352-4044

Willard Brook State Forest (Ashby)
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 10:00am–1:00pm
Meeting Location: 59 Townsend Road, Ashby
GPS: 42.662843103212374, -71.79173034573975
2.5-mile moderately paced hike at Damon Pond with a warming fire. Leashed dogs welcome.
Registration required: Registration for First Day Hike at Willard Brook State Forest
Call (978) 597-8802 for details.

Breakheart Reservation (Saugus)
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 10:00am–12:00pm
Meeting Location: 177 Forest St., Saugus
GPS: 42.48016717477818, -71.0258374027916
Choose a 2-mile or 3-mile guided hike through Breakheart’s paved loops. Hot chocolate after.
Call (781) 233-0834 for info.

Halibut Point State Park (Rockport)
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm
Meeting Location: 4 Gott Ave., Rockport
GPS: 42.68682577510787, -70.6317506288357
2.5-mile coastal hike with views of Ipswich Bay and birdwatching opportunities.
Cancellation info: (857) 268-6024

Harold Parker State Forest (North Andover)
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 10:00am–12:00pm
Meeting Location: Berry Pond, 700 Middleton Road
GPS: 42.6215508338235, -71.08764342012866
2-mile out-and-back hike from Berry Pond to Salem Pond. Hot chocolate after the hike.
Call (978) 686-3391 for info.

Walden Pond State Reservation (Concord)
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 10:00am–2:00pm
Meeting Location: 915 Walden Street, Concord
GPS: 42.440411166877475, -71.33386127695215
1.5-mile self-guided hike to the site of Thoreau’s house. ADA-accessible. No pets allowed.
Check for capacity closures: mass.gov/parkalerts

Blue Hills Reservation (Milton)
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Meeting Location: 840 Hillside Street, Milton
GPS: 42.210096955126595, -71.09613225689925
Live wildlife demo at 11am; guided hikes at 12pm with hot chocolate and firepit.
Call (617) 698-1802, x4 for info.

South Cape Beach State Reservation (Mashpee)
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 10:00am – 11:30am
Meeting Location: 668 Great Oak Road, Mashpee
GPS: 41.553435115595484, -70.50552383152427
1-mile beach hike with views of Martha’s Vineyard. Leashed dogs welcome.
Call (508) 457-0495 for details.

Chester-Blandford State Forest
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 10:00am–1:00pm
Meeting Location: 631 U.S. Route 20, Chester
GPS: 42.256100298551125, -72.94688212550011
2-mile round-trip hike to Sanderson Brook Falls. No restrooms.
Registration required: westernmasshilltownhikers.com
Call/text (413) 302-0312 for info.

Great Falls Discovery Center (Turners Falls)
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Meeting Location: 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls
GPS: 42.61006109848692, -72.55549150374713
3-mile family-friendly walk along the Canalside Rail Trail.
Call (413) 863-3221 for details.

Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest (Plainfield)
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 10:00am–12:00pm
Meeting Location: 466 West Hawley Road, Plainfield
GPS: 42.552040, -72.941611
Easy to moderate loop hike around Hallockville Pond.
Registration required: Registration for First Day Hike at Kenneth Dubuque Memorial SF
Call (413) 347-2065 for info.

Mount Greylock State Reservation (Lanesborough)
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Meeting Location: 30 Rockwell Road
GPS: 42.553694356777704, -73.21327
2-mile hike on the Bradley Farm Trail with scenic views and interpretive signage.
Registration required: Registration for First Day Hike at Mount Greylock
Call (413) 499-4262 for info.

Mt. Tom Reservation (Holyoke)
Date & Time: January 1, 2026, 1:00pm–3:00pm
Meeting Location: 125 Reservation Road
GPS: 42.26903335952047, -72.61654571569925
2-mile guided hike starting at Bray Lake parking area. Mixed surface, some elevation.
Registration required: Registration for First Day Hike at Mount Tom
Call (413) 534-1186 for info.

**Space is limited to 25 people per hike for Mt. Greylock - reserve your spot here

Find more fun January events in Boston in our handy guide to winter family fun. Happy New Year!

HOURS

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Times Vary

Free hot & hearty soup at noon
Live wildlife and family fun noon-1 pm
All hikes begin at 1:00 pm

WEBSITE

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www.mass.gov/info-details/dcr-first-day-hikes

LOCATION

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840 Hillside Street, Milton, MA map
Phone: 617-698-1802

Walden Pond State Reservation, 12:00 pm
915 Walden Street/Route 126, Concord, MA Meet at the new Visitor Center.
Hot chocolate and light snacks will be available after the hike. Co-sponsored by the Walden Woods Project,the Friends Group of Walden Pond State Reservation

Willard Brook State Forest, 10:00 am
599 Main Street, West Townsend, MA
Meet at the Damon Pond Picnic Area near the junction of Rt. 119 and 31

Nantasket Beach Reservation, 11:00 am
Route 3A, Hull,
Meet at the MJM Bathhouse, 204 Nantasket Ave., MA Hot beverage follows the hike.
Co-sponsored by the Hull Health Commission

Nickerson State Park, 11:00 am
3488 Main Street, Brewster, MA
Meet at the Main Lot by the entrance.
Enjoy Hot Chocolate after the hike. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Nickerson State Park

Granville State Forest, 10:30 am
323 West Hartland Road, Granville, MA Meet at the Park Headquarters
Warm up afterward around a fire with a warm beverage.