If you’re looking to kick off 2026 on a healthy note with some fresh air and exercise, the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is inviting you to visit a state park on New Year’s Day.
On Jan. 1, the state is holding its annual First Day Hikes, as part of a nationwide initiative to get more people outside. To encourage residents to brave the cold and hit the trail, the state will offer in-person and self-guided hikes, walks, tours and programs at 16 state park and forest locations.
“A First Day Hike is the perfect way to start off the new year by getting outside with friends and family for fresh air and exercise at one of Connecticut’s 110 state parks and 32 state forests,” said Brian Wilson, DEEP state parks director. “The variety of hiking and walking options — and their geographic accessibility — helps make it easy for people of all ages to get out on the trails. We encourage everyone to discover the power of parks in 2026.”
State parks and forests participating in Jan. 1, programming include:
Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve in Bloomfield
Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth
Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton
Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam
Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison
Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold
Kettletown State Park in Southbury
Mansfield Hollow State Park in Mansfield
Peoples State Forest in Barkhamsted
Putnam Memorial State Park in Redding
Scantic River State Park in Broad Brook
Sessions Woods in Burlington
Sherwood Island State Park in Westport
Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden
West Rock Ridge State Park in Hamden/New Haven
Most guided hikes and walks are between one and three miles long and begin between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Jan. 1. In addition, all state parks are available free of charge on New Year’s Day for out-of-state residents, as long as they arrive in a car with a Connecticut license plate, according to officials.
“Start the New Year on a refreshing note by joining us for a First Day Hike,” DEEP commissioner Katie Dykes said in a release. “Visitors arriving in Connecticut registered vehicles can enter state parks for free, thanks to the Passport to Parks program, making First Day Hikes an affordable and fun way to celebrate the New Year.”
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 DEEP. First Day Hikes originated more than 25 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Massachusetts.
For a complete listing of guided hike and walk times. visit www.ctparks.com.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com.
