The air may be chilly outside, but state officials are encouraging Connecticut residents to bundle up, breathe some fresh air, and go for a hike on New Year’s Day.
To help encourage people to get outside, the state will offer in-person and self-guided hikes and programs at 17 state park and forest locations on Jan. 1. It’s all part of Connecticut celebrating First Day Hikes, a nationwide initiative to get people outdoors, according to the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
“A First Day Hike is the perfect way to start off the new year by getting outside with friends and family at one of Connecticut’s picturesque State Parks or Forests,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “The variety of hikes and walks provide options for families and avid hikers alike to kick off the new year with some fresh air on Connecticut’s iconic hiking trails, which are rated as the best in the country!”
Across the state, both guided and self-guided hikes and programs will be offered for free at 16 state park and forest locations, according to officials with DEEP.
State parks and forests participating in Jan. 1, programming include:
- 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 Castle State Park, East Haddam
- Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
- Kellogg Environmental Center, Osbornedale State Park, Derby
- Kettletown State Park, Southbury
- Machimoodus Sunrise State Park, Moodus
- Pachaug State Forest, Griswold
- Scantic River State Park, East Windsor
- Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, Burlington
- Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
- Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden
- West Rock Ridge State Park, New Haven
“Getting outside for a hike or walk on January 1, 2025 can be a refreshing and meaningful way to start the new year,” said Acting State Parks Director Jeremy Hall in a press release. “Stepping out into nature helps reset one’s mind and creates a positive mindset for the year ahead. Join us at one of our Connecticut State Parks or Forests listed above and feel connected to nature in Connecticut.”
The America’s State Parks First Day Hikes program aims to promote nature and well-being through connecting with the outdoors by taking a hike or walk at a state park or forest, according to the state’s DEEP. First Day Hikes originated more than 25 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Massachusetts.
CT DEEP encourages residents to check DEEP’s Calendar of Events for updates.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com
