Pick Your First Day Hike Park Location and Reserve Today!
Bear Brook State Park 
Join Park staff on a moderate 2-mile hike through the northern side of Bear Brook on Catamount Hill Trail and reach the summit of Catamount Hill for some views and return back to the parking via One Mile Trail or take Lower Bear Brook trail to One mile trail for an easy 2-mile loop. When you have finished this self-guided hike, grab a warm drink and a snack park staff will be serving by the fireside in the parking lot. Dogs are welcomed but must be leashed! Owners are responsible for carrying out any pet waste.
Address: 61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, NH 03275
Parking: Day Use/Beach 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 for Bear Brook Hike
Monadnock State Park - new trail route this year
Join park staff for an invigorating 1-mile self-guided hike along the scenic Pond Loop Trail at Gilson Pond Campground. This relatively level trail winds through mixed woods along the edge of Gilson Pond, offering hikers the chance to spot local wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. While the main loop is accessible, adventurous hikers can explore several side trails to extend their journey—just ask staff for guidance. After your hike, gather around the outdoor fire to warm up with hot drinks and snacks while sharing stories and taking in the peaceful surroundings. Pets are not permitted.
Address: 585 Dublin Rd, Jaffrey, NH 03452
Parking: Upper (“Hiker’s”) 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 for Monadnock Hike
Pisgah State Park
The Doolittle trail offers a fun, mostly gentle two-mile (round-trip, out and back) hike sure to be enjoyed by all. This hike features a comfortable and moderately easy grade, with a few short sections of steeper terrain. It is accessed just north of park Visitor Center headquarters off of Old Chesterfield Road and includes several historic sites along the way. Close to the trail’s western terminus, a long footbridge spans wide Broad Brook where there is a fine view to be had upstream. 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 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 Road, Winchester, NH 03470
Parking: Park entrance off Chesterfield Road
Pets Permitted: Yes
Onsite Registration: Visitor Center from 12pm-2pm
Check-In 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm
Register for Pisgah Hike
Silver Lake State Park
Join park staff for a refreshing, self-guided hike along the scenic nature loop, where you’ll explore the stunning landscapes overlooking Silver Lake while breathing in crisp winter air and reconnecting with nature. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a healthy outdoor activity, take in breathtaking views, and learn about the park’s natural features from our knowledgeable staff. After your hike, gather around a cozy campfire near the beach to enjoy warm beverage and delicious snacks. Beaver Brook Association will also be on site, providing fun and engaging hands-on outdoor education activities as part of the First Day Hike experience. Dogs are welcomed but must be leashed! Owners are responsible for carrying out any pet waste.
Address: 138 Silver Lake Rd, Hollis, NH 03049
Parking: Main park entrance
Pets Permitted: Yes
Check-In 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm
Register for Silver Lake Hike
Weeks State Park
Weeks State Park will be hosting a dog friendly hike. Bring your four-legged friend along for a casual, self-guided hike up the Mountain Road on Mt Prospect. The auto road is a moderate 3.2-mile round-trip hike and should take approximately 2 hours. While at 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.
*Parking is limited, so we encourage you to carpool with friends or family and fill each vehicle to the fullest. This helps make sure as many people as possible can join the fun!
Address: 200 Weeks State Park Rd, Lancaster, NH 03584
Parking: Base of auto road with overflow located at the Mt Prosect Ski Tow 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 for Weeks Hike
Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion State Historic Site
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. 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 Society for the Protection of NH Forest 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, enjoy a warm drink and snack inside the park’s visitor center. Pets are not permitted.
Address: 375 Little Harbor Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Parking: Main parking Lot
Pets Permitted: No
Check-In 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm
Register for Wentworth Coolidge Hike
White Lake State Park
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
Pets Permitted: Yes
Registration check-In 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Event begins at 12:00pm and ends at 3:00pm
Register for White Lake Hike
