Celebrate New Year’s Day 2022 with a NH State ParkFirst Day Hike

12/03/2021

To ring in the New Year NH State Parks welcomes back the 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 self-guided hike on January 1.

Come join New Hampshire State parks and our partners with a family-friendly hike on New Year’s Day. This year we will be exploring a few first time hosting State Park locations.

“We are very happy with the popularity of the first day hike program,” said Phil Bryce, Director NH Div. of Parks and Recreation. “This year’s list of First Day hike parks provides a variety of options to hike from Hampton with its ocean views to sweeping mountain views at Weeks State Park. I invite everyone to come spend New Year’s Day at one of these five beautiful state parks"

Participants of First Day Hikes can explore historic sites, state parks and even enjoy petfriendly hikes with their four-footed friends.

Links to register for the First Day Hikes and to find more information please visit our website at nhstateparks.org. Pre-registration is required and there will be no registration available onsite.For questions, please contact Eric Feldbaum, nhfdh@dncr.nh.gov or 603-271-3556.

Locations for 2022 First Day hikes

Weeks State Park, Lancaster, NH
This year NH Parks welcomes 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 hikeand should take approximately twohours.While atop the summit, take in the panoramic view of the Presidential Mountain Range.After the hike enjoy a warm drink andsnack, served fireside,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 parkingat the Mt. Prospect Ski Tow lot.
Check-in: Base of the Auto road from 12to 2 p.m.
Event begins at 12 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
PetsPermitted: Yes

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 though 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: CatamountPond Day Use Area from 12 to 2 p.m.
Event beginsat 12 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
Pets Permitted: Yes

Greenfield StatePark, 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 to 2 p.m.
Event begins at 12 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
Pets Permitted: Yes

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.Join Blue Ocean Society for marine conservation to clean Hampton Beach during the First Day Hike. 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! Can’t make it at 1 p.m.? At the seashell, Blue Ocean Society will have beach clean-up supplies available to borrow from 12 –2 p.m.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 12to 2 p.m.
Event begin sat 12 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
Pets Permitted: Yes....even horses!

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

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

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

Please remember to check the weather prior to heading out.
Press in layers appropriate for the winter weather and wear appropriate footwear. Make sure someone knows you are out on the trails and when you will be returning from your hike. For more information regarding recommended clothing and gear, please visit Hike Safe (www.hikesafe.com).
Traction devices for wear on footwear are highly recommended (trails may be icy).
Carry hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
Move to the side of the trail to allow others to pass.
Be sure to pack water and a snack for during the hike.

The Division of Parks and Recreation is one of five divisions of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. NH State Parks and Recreation is comprised of the Bureau of Park Operations, Bureau of Historic Sites, Bureau of Trails, Community Recreation, and Cannon Mountain. The Division manages 93 properties, including state parks, beaches, campgrounds, historic sites, trails, waysides, and natural areas. To learn more about NH Parks and Recreation, visit www.nhstateparks.org,follow NH State Parks on Facebook and Twitter, or call 603/271-3556.