30 December, 2013
On January 1st, DCR will host First Day Hikes at 11 park locations across the Commonwealth. With over 450,000 acres, spanning Boston to the Berkshires, our state parks boast a variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor recreation, and each hike will offer a unique natural and cultural environment. The First Day Hikes tradition began more 20 years ago in Massachusetts, and has now become a national event, with all 50 states hosting First Day Hikes.
We hope you will be able to join us for one of these hiking experiences. Please see the complete list of First Day Hike locations attached. If you have questions about these programs, please contact DCR Assistant Director of Visitor Services, Julie Martin (617-626-4962; Julie.Martin@state.ma.us). For media inquiries, please contact Bill Hickey (617-626-1453) or William.hickey@state.ma.us
CENTRAL:
Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, Sutton, 11:00am
Meet at the Visitor Center.
NORTH:
Bradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield, 10:00 am
Meet at headquarters. Willowdale Estates will host a reception following the hike.
Walden Pond State Reservation, Concord, 1:00 pm
Meet at the Thoreau House Replica where a living history program will begin at noon.
Breakheart Reservation, Saugus, 12:00 p.m.
Meet at the Visitor Center for free clam chowder, coffee and hot cocoa.
Arrive early to allow time for parking.
SOUTH:
Blue Hills State Reservation, Milton, 12:00 pm
Meet in the Houghton’s Pond Parking Lot at 840 Hillside St.
Arrive early to allow sufficient time for parking.
Free soup will be served at noon, hikes begin at 1pm.
Nantasket Beach Reservation, Hull, 1:00 pm
Meet at the Mary Jeannette Murray Bathhouse at
204 Nantasket Avenue.
Shawme Crowell State Forest, Sandwich, 1:00 pm
Meet at the Pavilion Area at 42 Main Street.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Waquoit, 1:00 pm
Meet at the Visitor Center, 131 Waquoit Highway (Rt. 28).
WEST:
Beartown State Forest, Monterey, 12:30 pm
Park at the main entrance in Monterey at
Boat Ramp/Trailhead parking lot across from Blue Hill Rd.
DAR State Forest, Goshen, 11:00am
Meet at the Day Use Parking Lot off Route 112.
Mount Greylock State Reservation, Lanesborough, 1:00 pm
Meet at the Visitor Center at 30 Rockwell Rd.
