On the first day of 1992, Blue Hills Reservation supervisor Patrick Flynn had an idea to bring people together on a winter hike to celebrate the new year and the natural beauty of Massachusetts’ parks. The initial hike at Blue Hills drew 380 people and started an annual tradition.

Last year, more than 3,000 people kicked off the new year with a First Day Hike in a Massachusetts state park, according to state officials. The movement has also been adopted nationwide, with all 50 states now offering First Day Hikes.

“We think a lot on New Year’s Day about starting new traditions — some people call them resolutions, some people call them goals. However you want to phrase it, people are looking to kind of start the new year off on a different foot. And for some folks, that means maybe getting outside a little bit more, or being active a little bit more, or doing things more often with friends and family,” said Amy Wilmot, DCR Customer Service Trainer/Visitor Experience Coordinator, leading Boston’s hike at Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester.

This year will be the first time the state is offering an accessible hike through DCR’s Universal Access Program. Karen Foster, executive director All Out Adventures, which is co-leading the hike at Dunn State Park, said participants will be able to go at whatever pace they need, and they’ll also have an off-road walker and wheelchair available.

“For so many people who have disabilities, they don’t consider the outdoors or state parks or, you know, kind of typical community hikes to be something that is open and accessible to them,” Foster said. “It really just starts with the invitation.”

This year, Massachusetts hikers can join First Day Hikes at 14 locations. The Department of Conservation and Recreation will provide participants with a First Day Hike winter hat, a commemorative pin and a note explaining the history of the initiative.

Because of the potentially challenging climate conditions, state conservation officials urge hikers to dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear, print or download trail maps at home and bring them along, stay clear of icy trails, learn which trails are dog-friendly, take all trash and debris with them and leave the trails before the sun sets around 4:30 p.m.

LOCATIONS: 

BOSTON
Pope John Paul II Park 
Hallet Street, Boston, MA
1-mile hike at 10 a.m.
Dogs on leash are welcome.

NORTH
Breakheart Reservation
177 Forest St., Saugus, MA
2- or 3-mile hike at 10 a.m.

Halibut Point State Park
4 Gott Ave., Rockport, MA
3-mile hike at 10 a.m.
Dogs on leash are welcome.

Harold Parker State Forest
700 Middleton Road, North Andover, MA
2-mile hike at 10 a.m.

Walden Pond State Reservation
915 Walden St, Concord, MA
1.5-mile hike from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (self-guided)

SOUTH
Blue Hills Reservation
840 Hillside St., Milton
Live wildlife demo at 11 a.m.
1- and 2-hour guided hikes at 12 p.m., or a self-guided hike

South Cape Beach State Park
668 Great Oak Road, Mashpee, MA 02649
1-mile hike at 10 a.m.

CENTRAL
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park
287 Oak Street, Uxbridge, MA
1.5-mile hike at 10 a.m.

Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center
3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester, MA
5-mile hike at 10 a.m.
Dogs on leash are welcome.

Dunn State Park
289 Pearl Street, Gardner, MA
1.5-mile hike at 10 a.m., or accessible hike at 11 a.m.
Dogs on leash are welcome.

Pearl Hill State Park
105 New Fitchburg Road, West Townsend, MA
2-mile hike at 10 a.m.

Wachusett Reservoir
167 Temple St. (Rt 140), West Boylston, MA
2-mile hike at 11 a.m.

WEST
Chester Blandford State Forest
631 U.S. Route 20, Chester, MA
2-mile hike at 10 a.m.

Great Falls Discovery Center
2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA
2-mile hike at 1 p.m.

More information about first day hike locations, registration and preparedness guidelines here.