Not sure what to do in CT on New Year’s Day? The state wants you to take a hike, see where and when.
Connecticut is encouraging residents to get outside, breathe some fresh air, and go for a hike on New Year’s Day.
To help encourage people to get outside, the state will offer in-person and self-guided hikes and programs at 17 state park and forest locations on Jan. 1. It’s all part of Connecticut celebrating First Day Hikes, a nationwide initiative to get people outdoors, according to the agency.
“A First Day Hike is a great way to start off the new year outside at one of Connecticut’s scenic state parks or forests. The variety of trails and geographic accessibility throughout the state means everyone can enjoy Connecticut’s natural beauty and fresh air,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes, in a statement.
“Come visit a state park or forest that you haven’t yet explored. Thanks to Passport to the Parks, parking is free for all Connecticut-registered vehicles.”
Find times and more information, including specific locations here.
The America’s State Parks First Day Hikes program aims to promote nature and well-being through connecting with the outdoors by taking a hike or walk at a state park or forest, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. First Day Hikes originated more than 25 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Massachusetts.
The following sites will offer in-person and self-guided hikes and programs. Most of the outings average one to two miles, but can be longer depending on the location:
American Legion & Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted
Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve, Bloomfield
Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth
Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, Groton
Gillette Caste State Park, East Haddam
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
Machimoodus State Park, Moodus
Mansfield Hollow State Park, Mansfield
Pachaug State Forest, Griswold
Scantic River State Park, East Windsor
Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, Burlington (2 hikes – one led by Friends of Sessions Woods and one self-guided Sky’s the Limit hike and exploration of the education center)
Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden
Southford Falls State Park, Southbury
West Rock Ridge State Park, New Haven
CT DEEP encourages residents to check DEEP’s Calendar of Events for updates.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com
