First Week Hikes 2021
The past few years we’ve celebrated the turn of a new year with a First Day Hike. Read about the changes for 2021 below and then check out this list of family-friendly winter hikes to help you plan your own First Week Hike adventure.
First Day Hikes were an initiative that began in Massachusetts in 1992, 380 people showed up for the inaugural event at Blue Hills Reservation! Since then, it has spread all over the nation and all 50 states now recognize this tradition as an alternative start to the new year!
For the celebration of this initiative’s 30th anniversary, the DCR invites you to step into the New Year with a First Week Hike, a COVID-19 alternative to the traditional First Day Hikes.
There are some changes to this year’s tradition in order to keep everyone safe during the pandemic:
- Extending the traditional one-day hike to any day during First Week 2021, to prevent over-crowding due to COVID-19.
- Introducing self-guided adventures to ensure safe social distancing
- Picking a park near you to keep it safe and local,
- If you can’t get to a state park or have limited abilities, try getting out of doors each day of First Week 2021 for fresh air and movement right where you live—to build a healthy habit this the New Year,
- Sharing your DCR state park adventure on Instagram and twitter @MassDCR #MAFirstWeekHikes
Additional changes include:
- DCR visitor centers and rest rooms may be closed due to COVID-19,
- Hospitality options such as hot chocolate offered in prior years will not be available due to COVID-19,
- No guided hikes are offered or allowed to prevent clustering of visitors, and
- Masks or facial coverings will be required at all times in all state parks.
DCR has 150 state parks and thousands of miles of trails. To find an outdoor location near you, visit: www.mass.gov/info-details/dcr-programs-and-events for a list of recommended self-guided hikes.
You can find our 2020 hike HERE.
Use the hashtags #MAFirstWeekHikes & #BerkshireFamilyHikes to be featured!
