NH First Day Hikes 2023


Thank you for a successful First Day Hikes 2023!

Registration now closed for First Day Hikes 2023.


Looking for an invigorating opportunity to get outside and celebrate New Year's with your family and friends? Come join New Hampshire State parks and our partners with a rejuvenating family-friendly hike on New Year’s Day.  This year we will be exploring a few first time hosting State Park locations.

Participants of First Day Hikes can explore historic sites, state parks and even enjoy pet friendly hikes with their four footed friends either on their own or discover and experience nature with a self-guided hike.

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.

2023 Locations Include:

Greenfield State Park:
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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, NH, 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
 
Odiorne Point State Park
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Join park staff and the Seacoast Science Center for a self-guided natural history hike through the varied habitats of Odiorne Point State Park. Trail options include the 3-mile Odiorne Point Loop Trail, that takes you past WWII fortifications, such as Battery Seaman, and the .9-mile Seacoast Science Center and Founders Monument loop trail, with a section along the rocky coastline. Guides will be present to share the natural history of this seacoast park. Join us to seek signs of wildlife, watch shorebirds, discover tide pools, and enjoy the many varieties of trees and plants that highlight Odiorne Point State Park as a unique coastal habitat. After the hike, enjoy a warm drink and snack inside Seacoast Science Center. 
  • Address: 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye NH 03870
  • 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: No                                 
Come explore White Lake and the 1.5mile 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 Road, Tamworth, NH 03886
  • Parking: Park entrance, Park Office 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


Milan Hill State Park
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The well groomed, 16 kilometer XC ski trail network in and around Milan Hill State Park that is maintained by the Nansen Ski Club will be open for cross-country skiers and those wanting to snowshoe.  Park Staff and club volunteers will be onsite with trail maps and suggested routes for those with varying skill levels who wish to take a self-guided tour of the Park and its trails. The event will leave from the Warming Hut near the Park entrance, and your adventure will offer opportunities to spot animal tracks and take in expansive views of the Northern Presidential White Mountains from the trails, with the option of a spectacular 360 degree view from the fire tower at the top of Milan Hill, accessed via the fire tower. Hot drinks and snacks will be offered back at the warming hut upon your return. Limited stock of demo xc skis will be available.
  • Address: 72 Fire Tower Road, Milan, NH 03588
  • Parking: Main park entrance parking lot
  • Check-in: Main Park entrance 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


Pisgah State Park
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The Doolittle trail offers a fun, mostly gentle two mile (round-trip, out and back) hike sure to be enjoyed by all. This hike offers a comfortable and fairly easy grade, with a few short sections of steeper terrain. It is accessed just north of Park Headquarters off of Old Chesterfield Road and includes multiple historic agricultural sites along the way. The park area is diverse, including a mixed forest of both hard and soft woods, wetlands, and abundant wildlife, birds and plants. Park staff and volunteers from the Friends of Pisgah State Park will be on hand to assist those with any park related questions. Warm drinks and a snack will be served fireside at the headquarters building. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed at all times and owners are responsible for carrying out all pet waste.
  • Address: 520 Old Chesterfield Rd, Winchester NH 03470
  • Parking: Park entrance off Chesterfield Road
  • Check-in: Visitor Center from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Event begins: at 12 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
  • Pets Permitted: Yes


Frost Farm Historic Site (New for 2023)   
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Be our guest for a First Day Hike at the Robert Frost Farm in Derry, NH.  Wander around the 70 acres or just take a ½ mile hike on the Poetry Loop (with 14 informative plaques along the trail.)  Experience the sights, sounds, and smells that shaped America’s Favorite Poet.  The museum/barn will be open for registration and a short film. You’ll hear the story behind ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ and see the ‘Mending Wall’.  You can warm up by the fire pit and enjoy a cup of cocoa with friends and family.  Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed at all times and owners are responsible for carrying out all pet waste.
  • Address: 122 Rockingham Road, Derry, NH 03038
  • Parking: Park entrance 
  • Check-in: Museum/Barn from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Event begins: at 12 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
  • Pets Permitted: Yes

Monadnock State Park
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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 on 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: 116 Poole Road, Jaffrey NH 03452
  • Parking: Headquarters parking lot
  • Check-in: Headquarters parking lot from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Event begins: at 12 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
  • Pets Permitted: No