On New Year’s Day, America’s State Parks have all 50 states offering free, guided First Day Hike Programs. These hikes provide a means for individuals and families to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature.

In Connecticut, nine state parks are participating in the offering, including Kettletown State Park in Southbury. 

Last year nearly 55,000 people rang in the New Year, collectively hiking over 133,000 miles throughout the country on the guided hikes. Numerous others hiked state park trails throughout the day.

The guided First Day Hikes are led by knowledgeable state park staff and volunteers. The distance and rigor vary from park to park, but all hikes aim to create a fun experience for the whole family.

All are invited to savor the beauty of the state park’s natural resources with the comfort of an experienced guide so they may be inspired to take advantage of these local treasures throughout the year.

The hike at Kettletown State Park will begin at 1 pm, at the Miller Trailhead. The park’s main entrance is at 1400 Georges Hill Road in Southbury.

The two mile hike, which has a difficulty level of moderate, will allow for hikers to see much of the damage in the park from the May tornado that struck Connecticut and devastated Sleeping Giant and Wharton Brook state parks.

All ages are welcome. Strollers are not allowed on the trail. Pets on a leash are welcome. 

Contact Bob McGarry, at 203-264-9028 or bernieandbob@charter.net, for cancellation and other information. 

Hikes are also planned at the following Connecticut locations: 

Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam (Railroad Trail, noon, up to two miles, moderate); 

Goodwin State Forest (Goodwin State Forest Trails, 2 pm, two miles, moderate); 

Haddam Meadows State Park in Haddam (River Trail, 1 pm, two miles, easy); 

Hammonasset State Park in Madison (Hammonasset Walking Trail, 1 pm start, one mile, easy); 

Mansfield Hollow State Park in Mansfield (various trails, 10:45 am start, 2.2 miles and 4½ mile hikes being offered, moderate); 

Peoples State Forest in Barkhamsted (Robert Ross Trail, 1 pm start, 2½ miles, moderate);

Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme (Rocky Neck State Park Trails, 10 am start, two miles, moderate); and 

Scantic River State Park in East Windsor(Loop Trail, 1 pm start, 2½ miles, moderate).

Visit stateparks.org/initiatives-special-programs/first-day-hikes for specifics on each of these hikes, including suggestions of what to bring and who to contact in the event of inclement weather or questions. The website also has details on all hikes planned across the country. 

America’s State Parks have been entrusted to preserve a variety of magnificent places from California to Maine. Hikers can experience a plethora of outdoor recreation activities including mountain and hill climbing, walks along lakes and beaches, exploration of trails through great forests, wildlife expeditions, bird-watching and much more.

America’s State Park programs are committed to promoting outdoor recreation in hopes to help address obesity, especially in children. Furthermore, exercise and outdoor activities rejuvenate the mind and body, promoting overall mental and physical health and wellness. Many believe that time spent in nature enhances creativity and lifts our moods.