FIRST DAY HIKE’S SEVEN LOCATIONS ANNOUNCED

12/16/2024

New Year’s Day event kicks off NH State Parks’ 90th Anniversary

Concord, NH (Dec. 16, 2024) – New Hampshire State Parks welcomes the public to start 2025 outdoors at the

annual First Day Hikes event. For New Hampshire State Parks, there’s much to celebrate—2025 marks 90 years of providing New Hampshire’s citizens and guests with outstanding recreational, educational and inspirational experiences through the responsible management and cooperative stewardship of the state’s natural, recreational and cultural resources.

First Day Hikes is part of America’s State Parks' long-running national initiative, inspiring people to experience and appreciate nature with hikes on New Year’s Day. This is the 14th year the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation has participated in the popular tradition.

This year, seven state parks were chosen for outdoor enthusiasts to explore by hiking, snowshoeing or enjoying a peaceful stroll along miles of trails.

The selected parks include Milan Hill State Park, Monadnock State Park, Northwood Meadows State Park, Odiorne Point State Park, Pisgah State Park, White Lake State Park, and new to the list, Pawtuckaway State Park.

Participants will be greeted with warm beverages and snacks around a cozy fire, along with a limited supply of NH State Parks-themed giveaways, including a special 90^th-anniversary calendar and stickers.

“Every year we love welcoming everybody who comes out to join us, and this year we are excited to share our milestone and celebrate our park system’s 90^th anniversary,” said Brian Wilson, Director of the New Hampshire Division of Parks & Recreation. “It’s one of my favorite days of the year—seeing friends and families make lasting memories in some of our favorite state parks.”

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

Please remember to check the weather before the event, which is rain, snow or shine.
Dress in layers appropriate for the winter weather and wear appropriate footwear. For more information regarding recommended clothing and gear, please visit HikeSafe.com.
Traction devices such as microspikes 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 after the hike/activity.
Keep the trails clean for others.

As same-day registration will not be available, please register online in advance. Learn more at nhstateparks.org/things-to-do/first-day-hikes-2025.

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