BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)-- The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) wants you to take a hike this New Year's Day and explore the forests of Massachusetts. DCR will be holding its 34th annual First Day Hikes program in 14 parks statewide, from South Cape Beach State Park in Mashpee to the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls. The 14 locations will offer guided hikes by DCR staff or volunteers. Several are dog friendly, and some will be offering hot chocolate after the hike. Local movie theaters packed during Christmas First Day Hikes began in 1992 at the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton and became a national initiative in 2012 with the endorsement of America’s State Parks, expanding to all 50 states. The effort was created to promote year-round outdoor recreation and to inspire residents utilize the Massachusetts State Parks system. “We are a state of firsts, and the tradition of our First Day Hikes stands as a proud example of that,” said Governor Maura Healey. “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.”  “This tradition, started right here in Massachusetts, is a unique way for residents to start their new year off on the right foot with health and happiness,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “First Day Hikes are a great opportunity for family and friends to experience our beautiful state parks and inspire year-round recreation in our public spaces.”    “First Day Hikes unites communities, inspires fresh air, and showcase our state’s beauty – another example of Massachusetts leading the way,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We encourage everyone to start their new year by participating in one of these hikes where residents can explore our state parks while also witnessing the important role these spaces play in protecting the health of our environment.”   “One of our goals at DCR is to get more families outside into our amazing state parks and build the next generation of environmental stewards and First Day Hikes is a great way to do that,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We look forward to seeing Massachusetts residents and families at one of our 14 hikes across the state this New Year’s Day, connecting with the natural world and experiencing all our state parks system has to offer.”    This year, DCR is providing hikers with a First Day Hike winter hat and a First Day Hike commemorative pin. Each hat will include a note explaining the history of the First Day Hike Initiative – another Massachusetts “first” and its connection to MA250.  DCR’s First Day Hikes will be offered at the following 14 locations and times: BOSTONPope John Paul II Park Reservation – 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Hallet Street, Boston1 mile hikeMeet by the Kiosk at Hallet Street entrance located at the intersection of Hill Top Street and Hallet StreetJoin DCR staff for a 1-mile guided stroll on paved paths along the Neponset River. Hot chocolate will be provided after the hike. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.Co-Sponsored by the Neponset River Greenway Council WESTGreat Falls Discovery Center – 1 p.m.2 Avenue A, Turners Falls3 mile hikeMeet at the Great HallCo-sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery CenterThis family-friendly hike follows a gentle route and provides an opportunity to discover the natural, historical and cultural features that make up the Great Falls Discovery Center and Canalside Rail Trail. Chester Blandford State Forest – 10 a.m.631 U.S. Route 20, Chester2-mile hikeMeet at Sanderson Brook Falls Parking LotCo-sponsored by the Western MA Hilltown HikersHikers will view the scenic Sanderson Brook Falls as they walk the Sanderson Brook Falls Trail. NORTHBreakheart Reservation – 10 a.m.177 Forest St., Saugus2 or 3 mile hike, two trail optionsMeet at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor CenterBreakheart is hosting two guided First Day Hikes – a 2-mile hike and a 3-mile hike- through the paved loops of the Reservation. Hikers will have a view of animal tracks and the Lower and Upper Ponds. Hot chocolate and clam chowder from Kelly’s Roast Beef will be served by the fire 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, Rockport3 mile hikeMeet at trail head after parking lot at 9 a.m.Hikers will enjoy the seasonal scenic splendor including wintering ducks and birds while hiking along this 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 Andover2 mile hikeMeet at Berry Pond BeachHikers will walk from Berry Pond to Salem Pond and back.Co-sponsored by the Friends of Harold Parker State Forest Walden Pond State Reservation – 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (self-guided)915 Walden Street, ConcordUnder 2-mile hikeStart at the Walden Visitor Center. Visitor Center open from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.Hikers can go their own pace with a self-guided hike along Walden Pond. Interpretive signage will guide visitors along the 1.5-mile trail. Hot chocolate will be served in the Visitor Center after the hike. SOUTHSouth Cape Beach State Park – 10 a.m.668 Great Oak Road, Mashpee1-2 mile hikeMeet at the Visitor CenterJoin DCR staff for a hike along the beach with views of Martha’s Vineyard. Staff will discuss research being done at nearby salt marshes. Hot chocolate will be served after the hike.Co-sponsored by Friends of Waquoit Bay Blue Hills Reservation – 12 p.m.860 Hillside Street, MiltonTwo guided hikes and one self-guided hike at 12 p.m.Gather at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center at 11 a.m.Co-Sponsored by Friends of the Blue Hills and Trailside MuseumParking and space are limited. There is no parking outside DCR property.Starting at 11 a.m. visitors can watch a Blue Hills Trailside live wildlife demo at Houghton’s Pond with staff from Mass Audubon while they gather around a warming fire. Two easy to moderate hikes will kick off at noon. There will also be a self-guided hike option for those who want to go it alone. CENTRALBlackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center – 10 a.m.3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester5-mile hikeMeet at the Visitor Center. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.Hikers can bring their leashed dogs for a hike along the Blackstone River Greenway where they’ll see urban wildlife and evidence of the area’s industrial past. Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park – 10 a.m.287 Oak Street, Uxbridge1.5 mile hikeMeet 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 as they look for signs of winter along the waterways and forest. Hikers can warm up around the fire in the Visitor Center after the hike. Dunn State Park – 10 a.m.289 Pearl St., Gardner1.5 mile hikeMeet at the Pond House for registration at 9 a.m.Hikers will walk the Woodland Trail to the Pond Loop Trail as they look for signs of winter wildlife. Well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. Accessible hike- 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] can warm up in the Pond House with hot chocolate after the hike. Pearl Hill State Park – 10 a.m.105 New Fitchburg Road, Townsend2 mile hikeMeet at 105 New Fitchburg Rd, Townsend. Registration begins at 9 a.m.Hikers will learn about the natural resources and wildlife of the forest as they walk the Friends Trail loop. Wachusett Reservoir – 11 a.m.167 Temple St. (Rt 140), West Boylston2.2 mile hikeMeet at Gate 22 on Rt 140 starting at 10 a.m.Hikers will view scenic vistas of the water supply that provides clean drinking water to more than 3 million people in Massachusetts. Additionally, self guided hikes will be available at many other state parks. Additional details, including locations, difficulty, length, terrain, and age recommendations, can be found on DCR’s website. Whether you are a first-time visitor to a state park or a seasoned regular, DCR recommends visitors plan their hike before they leave home with these winter hiking guidelines in mind: Print or download a trail map as they might not be available at the park, and GPS signals may not available on smartphones in thickly-settled trails.   Check the weather and dress appropriately. Hikes may be cancelled if the weather or trail conditions are poor, so check before you go. Bring water and snacks. Know which parks are pet friendly, keep your dog on a leash, and pick up and dispose of their waste. Visitor centers and rest rooms may be closed. Let someone know where you are. Local News Headlines First Day Hikes encourages Massachusetts residents to get outside in 2025 What the colors of the stove flames tell us: East Brookfield fire department LIST: Top places to eat breakfast in western Massachusetts following holiday festivities Businesses that opened and closed in Massachusetts in 2024 WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.