Celebrate the New Year with fun, fresh air and scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike in one of Maine’s State Parks. These guided hikes are organized annually to encourage individuals and families to start the year on the right foot — by getting outside and connecting with nature.
In fact, for many years, my mother would organize one of these hikes. However, we always referred to it as a New Year’s Day hike because they were held on January 1 each year. Well, so are the First Day Hikes — all are occuring on January 1st.
Where to take First Day Hikes in Maine
On January 1, 2024, Maine’s First Day hikes will be part of the more than 1,000 available in state parks nationwide. The distance and rigor vary from park to park, but they all aim to create a fun experience for the whole family.
From what I can tell, there is only one of these guided hikes in Southern Maine. It is at the Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth.
Guided hike at Two Lights State Park, Cape Elizabeth
The First Day Hike at Two Lights runs from 6:30-9:00 a.m. The park is off Route 77.
Meet at High Head at the rose garden. If you’re up early and watch to catch the sunrise, the park recommends arriving at 6:30 for the sunrise. The guided hike begins at 7:30.
This is a leisurely 3/4-mile loop hike along the shoreline and woodland paths. Parents must accompany children under 12 years old. You can bring your dogs to Two Lights for this hike, but they must be leashed at all times.
Please dress warmly and bring water and snacks. Led by naturalists Jeanne Christie and Vickie Goushaw. Admission is free. More info on the Maine State Parks website.
What kind of walks are available
Not interested in guided hikes? You can do a self-guided hike at one of the other Maine State Parks participating in this event. The two in Southern Maine are in Freeport. They are:
- Bradbury Mt. State Park
- Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
History of First Day Hikes
First Day Hikes began at the Blue Hills Reservation State Park in Massachusetts in 1992. Since 2012, all 50 states have participated.
America’s State Parks hopes to make 2024 a record-breaking year as the annual event approaches major milestones, including 1 million miles hiked and 500,000 participants in the program’s history.
Final thoughts
Even if you stay up late on New Year’s Eve, taking a New Year’s Day hike or a First Day Hike is a way to savor the beauty of our state parks’ natural beauty. Maybe you’ll be inspired to take advantage of these local treasures all year long, such as during one of these state park events in the coming year:
Girls Scout free admission to state parks
Earth Day hikes in Maine state parks
Maine campground reservations open
Let us know if you end up taking a New Year’s Day hike and where you went. You can always share pictures to our Southern Maine on the Cheap Facebook page, too. Or tag us in yours.
Free and Cheap Things To Do in Southern Maine
Here are FREE and cheap things to do in Southern Maine in the coming week.