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NH First Day Hikes 2024

New Hampshire's First Day Hikes 2024

To welcome the New Year, we are excited to reintroduce our highly popular First Day Hikes. These hikes provide individuals and families with the chance to kickstart the New Year by rejuvenating and reconnecting with the great outdoors through complimentary self-guided hikes on January 1st.
Are you searching for an energizing opportunity to usher in the New Year with your loved ones? Join New Hampshire State Parks and our partners for a refreshing and family-friendly hike on New Year's Day. This year, we're thrilled to introduce several State Park locations as first-time hosts.
Participants in the First Day Hikes program can venture to historic sites, state parks, and even enjoy pet-friendly hikes with their four-legged companions, all while exploring and creating their unique experiences.

**Registration is required, there will be no same day registration allowed.**


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. For more information regarding recommended clothing and gear, please visit Hike Safe.
•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.
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Register Today!

Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion State Historic Site, Portsmouth: pet-friendly.gif
*Registration is full, see more hikes below*
Join park staff and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests land stewards for a self-guided natural history tour of the Little Harbor Loop Trail.  This is a dog-friendly hike, and they must be leashed at all times and owners are responsible for carrying out all pet waste. The loop trail is considered an easy 1.5 mile hike that will take approximately 1-1.5 hours to hike.  Guides will be present to share the natural history of the abutting Creek Farm Reservation. Join us to seek signs of wildlife, watch shorebirds on the tidal flats, discover a tidal pool, and enjoy the many varieties of tree and plants that highlight Creek Farm as a unique coastal habitat.  After the hike, join park staff for a warm drink and snack.

Address: 375 Little Harbor Rd, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Parking: Main Parking Lot
Pets Permitted: Yes
Registration check-in from 12:00pm to  2:00pm                  Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm
 
Weeks State Park, Lancaster NH:pet-friendly.gif

Weeks State Park will be hosting a dog friendly hike.  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.  Dogs must be leashed at all times and owners are responsible for carrying out all pet waste.  After the hike enjoy a warm drink and snack at the base of the auto road. 

Address: 200 Weeks State Park Rd.
Parking: Base of Auto Road, overflow parking at the Mt. Prospect Ski tow
Pets Permitted: Yes
Registration check-in from 12:00pm to 2:00pm                   Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm

Register - Weeks 

White Lake State Park pet-friendly.gif
*Registration is full for this Park*
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 the park office parking lot 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 time and owners are responsible for carry out of all pet waste.

Address: 94 State park Rd, Tamworth, NH 03886
Parking: Park entrance, park office parking lot
Check-in: Main parking lot from 12pm-2pm
Pets Permitted: Yes
Registration check-In 12:00pm to 2:00pm                              Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm
 
Monadnock State Park
 Join park staff for a 3-mile self-guided hike along the Parker Trail to the Little Mountain Viewpoint. You'll start the hike with a glimpse of Poole Reservoir and continue following rolling hills and old stone walls as you round the base of Mt. Monadnock towards the Old Toll Rd. This hike will take approximately 3 hours to complete. For those looking for a more leisurely hike, follow the Parker Trail to the Cliff Walk Junction and back. The shorter hike will take approximately 2 hours to complete and follows relatively flat terrain. After the hike, enjoy hot drinks and snacks while warming up next to the outdoor fire.

Address: 169 Poole Road, Jaffrey NH 03452
Parking: HQ Parking Lot
Pets Permitted: No
Check-In 12:00pm to 2:00pm                                      Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm

Register - Monadnock
 
Northwood Meadows State Park   fdh_new_for_2024-copy.pngpet-friendly.gif
*Registration is full for this Park*
Discover the natural splendor of Northwood Meadows State Park at this newly introduced hiking destination. Start your outdoor adventure with a leisurely hike along the accessible .5-mile Universal Trail, guiding you through the heart of the park. If you're seeking a more extensive hike to immerse yourself in the park's pristine beauty, venture onto the 2.5-mile Lake Trail. Dogs must be leashed at all times and owners are responsible for carrying out all pet waste.  Following your hike, relish the warmth of outdoor fireside relaxation while sipping on hot beverages and savoring snacks.

Address: 755 First NH Turnpike, Northwood NH 03261
Parking: Parking Lot
Pets Permitted: Yes
Check-In 12:00pm to 2:00pm                                      Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm

 
Rhododendron State Park   fdh_new_for_2024-copy.pngpet-friendly.gif
*Registration is full for this Park*
Rhododendron State Park's Rhododendron Ramble offers a serene and picturesque outdoor experience for nature lovers and hikers of all levels. There is something for everyone, whether exploring the 1.5-mile Rhododendron Loop Trail or the longer 2.5 hike to the summit of Little Monadnock Mountain.  Dogs must be leashed at all times and owners are responsible for carrying out all pet waste.  Following your hike, relish the warmth of outdoor fireside relaxation while sipping on hot beverages and savoring snacks.

Address: 424 Rockwood Pond Road, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447
Parking: Parking Lot
Pets Permitted: Yes
Check-In 12:00pm to 2:00pm                                      Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm

 
Bear Brook State Park pet-friendly.gif
*Registration is full for this Park*
Experience the captivating beauty of Bear Brook's northern side with a leisurely 2.5-mile hike, commencing at Big Bear and circling back through on Salt Lick to return to the parking lot. For those craving a more extensive outdoor adventure, you can explore the extensive network of interconnected trails that weave in and out of the hiker/biker parking lot. After completing this self-guided hike, join us for a cozy fireside gathering in the parking lot, where park staff will serve warm drinks and snacks. While dogs are welcome to join, please keep them on a leash, and remember to responsibly dispose of any pet waste.

Address: 12 Podunk Road, Allenstown, NH 03275
Parking: Hiker/Biker Parking Lot
Pets Permitted: Yes
Check-In 12:00pm to 2:00pm                                      Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm
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172 Pembroke Road Concord, NH 03301