To ring in the New Year, New Hampshire State Parks are welcoming back their ever-popular First Day Hikes. These hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenated and connected with the outdoors by taking a free organized self-guided hike on January 1^st.

Participants can choose from five locations this year (all pet-friendly) and either hike on their own or with a guide.

*Pre-registration is highly recommended. There will be no registration available onsite.*

Here are a few helpful tips to make your day enjoyable:

• Please remember to check the weather prior to the event.
• All hikes will be rain, snow, or shine.
• Dress in layers appropriate for the winter weather and wear appropriate footwear. .
• Traction devices such as micro spikes or yaktrax are highly recommended (trails may be icy).
• Be sure to pack water and a snack for during the hike. The Park will provide a warm drink and healthy snack at the completion of the hike.
• Visit HikeSafe.com for more tips on how to prepare.

2022 Locations Include:

Weeks State Park, Lancaster, NH:
We welcome back our ever-popular hike at Weeks State Park. Bring your four-legged friend along for a casual, self-guided hike up the Mt Prospect auto road. The auto road is a moderate 3.2-mile round-trip hike and should take approximately 2 hours.  While atop the summit, take in the panoramic view of the Presidential Mountain Range.  After the hike enjoy a warm drink and snack at the base of the auto road. Dogs are welcomed but must be leashed at all times and owners are responsible for carrying out all pet waste. 

• Address: 200 Weeks State Park Rd Lancaster, NH 03584
• Parking: Base of The Mountain Road, Overflow parking at the Mt. Prospect Ski Tow lot
• Check-in: Base of the Auto road from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Event begins at 12 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
• Pets Permitted: Yes

REGISTER NOW

Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown, NH
This year join park staff for four different self-guided hike options all leaving from the Catamount Pond Beach Area parking lot.  Options include a moderate 1.6-mile loop hike to Catamount Hill; 2.2-mile moderate stroll along the beautiful Cascade Brook where you will encounter waterfalls and bridges; 2-mile easy hike along Wildcat and Lower Bear Brook Trail; 4.8-mile hike up to Catamount Hill for great views, this hike will take you through some of Bear Brooks best Scenery.  All hike options leave and return from the Catamount day-use parking area. Warm drinks and a snack will be served fireside in the parking lot.  Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed at all times and owners are responsible for carrying out all pet waste.

• Address: Deerfield Road, Allenstown NH 03470
• Parking: Park entrance, Catamount Pond Day Use Beach Area
• Check-in: Catamount Pond Day Use Area from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Event begins at 12 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
• Pets Permitted: Yes                                 

REGISTER NOW

Greenfield State Park, Greenfield, NH (New for 2022)
Join park staff for a 1.2-mile hike on the Hogback Trail. It will take you approximately 45 minutes to go around the pond. As you walk, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that are in this secluded area of the park. Throughout the trail, there are benches to stop and rest and enjoy the natural beauty of this place. Warm drinks and a snack will be served fireside in the parking lot.  Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed at all times and owners are responsible for carrying out all pet waste.

• Address: 954 Forest Road, Greenfield 03047
• Parking: Park entrance, main parking lot
• Check-in: Main Parking Lot from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Event begins at 12 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
• Pets Permitted: Yes

REGISTER NOW

Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton, NH (New for 2022)
Join Park staff and the Blue Ocean Society on an easy 1.5-mile self-guided walk along Hampton Beach State Park.  An easy relaxing stroll on the beach leaving from the Seashell complex heading north or south along the beach and returning to the seashell.  Warm drinks and a snack will be served inside the seashell building.  Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed at all times and owners are responsible for carrying out all pet waste.  Dogs will not be permitted inside the seashell complex.  Horses are allowed but they must remain on the beach and parking is available at the South Beach lot.

Lend a Hand While You Walk: Blue Ocean Society will also be leading a beach cleanup effort. To participate, meet at the seashell at 1 pm. Supplies are provided, just bring reusable gloves. Help keep debris out of our seas and beautify the Hampton coast by picking up trash as you walk! Please register separately here.Can’t make it at 1 pm? At the seashell, Blue Ocean Society will have beach clean-up supplies available to borrow from 12 – 2 pm so you can join the fight for a clean ocean on your schedule.

• Address: 160 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH 03842
• Parking: Parking lots and spaces along Ocean Blvd.
• Check-in: Seashell complex from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Event begins at 12 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
• Pets Permitted: Yes….even horses!

REGISTER NOW

White Lake State Park, Tamworth  (New for 2022)
Come explore White Lake and the 1.5-mile self-guided hike along the perimeter trail of White Lake. An easy walk begins and ends in a lot at the beach while taking in a picturesque view of Mt. Chocorua and nearby peaks in the White Mountains. Warm drinks and a snack will be served fireside at the beach. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed at all times and owners are responsible for carrying out all pet waste.

• Address: 94 State park Rd, Tamworth, NH 03886
• Parking: Park entrance, main parking lot
• Check-in: Main parking lot from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Event begins at 12 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
• Pets Permitted: Yes

REGISTER NOW