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2 women at mt monadnock overlook - first day hike 2 women at mt monadnock overlook - first day hike

First Day Hikes 2025

First Day Hikes 2025


New Hampshire's First Day Hikes 2025

Welcome the New Year with a beloved tradition by participating in New Hampshire's First Day Hikes! These hikes offer an incredible opportunity to explore the beauty of New Hampshire State Parks while kicking off 2025 with a refreshing adventure. A longstanding tradition, First Day Hikes invite individuals and families to embrace the outdoors with self-guided hikes on January 1st.
 
Looking for an inspiring way to start the year? Join New Hampshire State Parks and our partners for a fun, energizing hike at one of several stunning park locations. Whether you're exploring historic sites, discovering scenic trails, or bringing along your furry friend for a pet-friendly adventure, these hikes are the perfect way to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories. Make 2025 unforgettable by experiencing the splendor of New Hampshire’s natural landscapes.

**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.
family at odiorne state park family at odiorne state park
family at monadnock state park family at monadnock state park
skijoring at milan hill state park skijoring at milan hill state park
family at pisgah state park family at pisgah state park
northwood meadows state park sign winter northwood meadows state park sign winter
round pond trail sign at pawtuckaway state park round pond trail sign at pawtuckaway state park
group of ladies at milan hill state park group of ladies at milan hill state park
mt monadnock in winter mt monadnock in winter
family at white lake state park family at white lake state park

Register Today!

Odiorne Point State Park

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.  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 with the  an option to explore the Seacoast Science Center. 


Address: 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870
Parking: Main Entrance Parking Lot
Pets Permitted: No
Registration check-in from 12:00pm to  2:00pm                  Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm

Register - ODIORNE
 
Milan Hill State Parkpet-friendly-(1).gif

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 newly-constructed 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
Pets Permitted: Yes
Registration check-in from 12:00pm to 2:00pm                   Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm

Register MIlan Hill

White Lake State Park pet-friendly-(1).gif

Discover the natural beauty of White Lake with a peaceful 2-mile self-guided hike along the scenic perimeter trail. This easy and accessible walk starts and ends at the park office parking lot, offering stunning views of nearby peaks of the White Mountains. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing outdoor activity, this trail provides the perfect opportunity to take in the serene surroundings at your own pace. Dogs are welcome to join the fun, but please remember they must be kept on a leash at all times.

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

Register - White Lake 
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
 
Pisgah State Park   pet-friendly-(1).gif

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
Pets Permitted: Yes
Check-In 12:00pm to 2:00pm                                      Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm

Register - Pisgah 
 
Pawtuckaway State Park  NEW THIS YEAR pet-friendly-(1).gif

Join us for a refreshing First Day Hike at Pawtuckaway State Park, beginning at the main park headquarters parking area. The hike will follow a scenic 0.5-mile stretch down the main park road to the base of Mountain Pond, where participants may spot local wildlife. From there, hikers can continue along the Mountain Trail to its intersection with Round Pond Trail. This easy out-and-back hike covers a total of 2 miles, perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages!

Address: 7 Pawtuckaway Road, Nottingham NH, 03290
Parking: Main entrance parking Lot
Pets Permitted: Yes
Check-In 12:00pm to 2:00pm                                      Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm

Register - pawtuckaway 

Northwood Meadows State Park   pet-friendly-(1).gif

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


Register - Northwood meadows
 
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172 Pembroke Road Concord, NH 03301