Press Releases
12/28/2023
Connecticut Celebrates the New Year with First Day Hikes on Jan. 1
In-Person and Self-Guided Hikes at Parks and Forests Across the State Part of Nationwide Initiative
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and its partners are encouraging folks to get outside on New Year’s Day. Walk, hike, and enjoy nature safely on January 1st by joining our many volunteer state park friends groups as Connecticut celebrates First Day Hikes, a nationwide initiative to get outdoors.
Here in Connecticut, in-person and self-guided hikes and programs will be offered at 17 state park and forest locations. These include the following sites, but please visit the DEEP Calendar of Events for updates and new additions. Most of the outings average one to two miles, but can be longer depending on the location:
- American Legion & Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted
- Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve, Bloomfield
- Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth
- Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill
- Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, Groton
- Gillette Caste State Park, East Haddam
- Goodwin State Forest, Hampton
- Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
- Machimoodus State Park, Moodus
- Mansfield Hollow State Park, Mansfield
- Pachaug State Forest, Griswold
- Scantic River State Park, East Windsor
- Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, Burlington (2 hikes – one led by Friends of Sessions Woods and one self-guided Sky’s the Limit hike and exploration of the education center)
- Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
- Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden
- Southford Falls State Park, Southbury
- West Rock Ridge State Park, New Haven
“A First Day Hike is a great way to start off the new year outside at one of Connecticut’s scenic state parks or forests. The variety of trails and geographic accessibility throughout the state means everyone can enjoy Connecticut’s natural beauty and fresh air,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Come visit a state park or forest that you haven’t yet explored. Thanks to Passport to the Parks, parking is free for all Connecticut-registered vehicles.”
America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike or walk at a state park or forest close to home. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature, and welcome the New Year with friends and family.
Cold-weather hiking can be fun as long as participants prepare with basic hiking safety tips.
Background of First Day Hikes
The mission of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) and America's State Parks is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation’s environment, heritage, health, and economy.
First Day Hikes originated more than 25 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation – a state park in Milton, Massachusetts. America’s State Parks boast a variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor recreation, and each First Day Hike offers an opportunity to explore the unique natural and cultural treasures close to home. From Alaska to Florida, hikers can climb hills and mountain tops, walk along ponds and beaches, and traverse trails through forests, fields, and prairies.
Established in 1913, the mission of the Connecticut State Park System is to provide natural resource-based public recreational and educational opportunities through a system of state park and forest recreation areas, environmental centers, and nature centers that provide an understanding of, access to, and enjoyment of, the state’s historic, cultural, and natural resources.
More at: portal.ct.gov/deep
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110