Group of hikers posting for a photo on the trail at Machimoodus State Park
January 1, 2026

First Day Events, Hikes and Walks

Multiple State Parks and Forests

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

First Day events, hikes and walks are sponsored by the CT DEEP State Parks Division and the various Connecticut State Park and Forest Friends Groups across the state.  

Celebrate the First Day with a hike or walk! Scroll down for the details on some of the fun programs and hikes our Friends are hosting. Please note that event listings contain important information and registration instructions (if required).  

 

First Day Hikes for 2026

 

Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve - Bloomfield, CT
Join the Friends of Auerfarm Scenic Reserve (FASR) at 1:00pm to learn about the history of Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve and take in scenic views of nearby Talcott Mountain State Park and surrounding areas. The event meets at the entrance to the park in Bloomfield near the intersection of Auer Farm Road and Cider Hill. The total length of the loop is approximately 0.8 miles and completion of the hike will take 30-45 minutes depending on weather. The summit trail rises moderately; the overall elevation gain is approximately 240 feet on an unpaved but relatively level surface. In addition to appropriate winter walking shoes, a walking stick for extra stability is recommended if weather provides slippery conditions. Although the event is family friendly, this event does require moderate mobility and there are no rest room facilities at the trail. Additionally, well-behaved pets are welcome, but they must be kept on leash. Participants should also bring water and snacks as needed.

 

Chatfield Hollow State Park - Killingworth, CT
Join Kathy Zandi from Friends of Chatfield Hollow State Park and Wray Williams from the DEEP State Parks Division at Chatfield Hollow State Park.  Kathy will be leading a hike/walk, and interested participants should meet her at the toll booth at 11:00am.  A moderate trail (ranging from 1-4 miles long) will be selected based on the abilities of those in attendance, but please note the hike will not be appropriate for small children and pets are not allowed.  The hike will take place regardless of weather conditions so be sure to wear appropriate winter footwear. Hikers should also bring snacks and water, as needed. 

Also at 11:00am, Wray will be leading kid-friendly programs for all ages at the Oak Lodge.  Those interested should meet at the Oak Lodge.  Pets are not allowed at either event. 

 

Dinosaur State Park - Rocky Hill, CT 
Join Dinosaur State Park staff and the Friends of Dinosaur State Park from 10:00am - 1:00pm for a guided hike on the Red Trail. Please meet at the Dinosaur State Park Outdoor Track Casting Area (towards the left side of the building when entering from the visitor parking lot). The Red Trail is approximately 0.3 miles and very flat, making it appropriate for all ages. However, please make sure to wear appropriate winter footwear as the trail is mostly along a boardwalk which may be slippery when wet. The guided walk will take approximately 15-20 minutes. No pets are allowed on trails other than service animals (on a leash). Hikers should bring water and snacks as needed, and dress appropriately for the cold weather.

From 10:00am - 1:00pm, Dinosaur State Park will also have a Tree Cookie New Years Resolution table activity, campfire, and hot refreshments provided by the Friends of Dinosaur Park and Arboretum. These events will be taking place in the Track Casting Area. 

  • Please note that the indoor Exhibit Center will be closed throughout the event and there is only one clivus/composting toilet which is located to right side of casting area
  • No registration needed
  • Any cancellation due to inclement weather will be posted on the Dinosaur State Park Instagram page - if cancelled, this event will not be rescheduled
  • For questions about the event please contact Michael Ross at (860) 529-5816 or by email at michael.p.ross@ct.gov, or Emily Rochette at (860) 529-5816 or by email at emily.rochette@ct.gov.
  • Park Map

 

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park - Groton, CT
Join the Friends of Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park at 12:00pm for a guided tour of the grounds at Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park. Meet at the main gates at the intersection of Monument Street and Park Avenue. This hike is family-friendly and usually takes less than an hour to complete. Pets are welcome but they must be on a leash at all times. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks, as needed.

  • No registration needed
  • For questions about the event and cancellations due to inclement weather, please contact Hali Keeler at (860) 235-7421

 

Gillette Castle State Park - East Haddam, CT
Celebrate the start of a new year with fresh air and exercise with Friends of Gillette Castle State Park and DEEP State Parks Staff from 10:00am to 1:00pm! The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park are pleased to offer all visitors hot cider and trail maps that explain the many historic features that dot the grounds. Though visitors are welcome to explore on their own, three guided hikes are scheduled to occur at 10:00am, 11:00am, and 12:00pm - advance reservation is required as these hikes are limited to 20 participants each.  The hikes are each approximately an hour long, and they cover gentle and flat trails that have some brief climbs. To ensure the comfort of all hikers, please leave your pets at home, or take a walk on your own without a trail guide (leashed dogs are allowed at the park). Hikers should wear winter appropriate shoes and clothing.

 

Hammonasset Beach State Park (Meigs Point Nature Center) - Madison, CT
Join the Friends of Hammonasset Beach State Park, Ranger Russ Miller from Meigs Point Nature Center and DEEP State Parks staff to kick off the year by beachcombing to see what the waves have brought in, then stroll along the dunes to discover why these fragile ecosystems are so important to our shoreline. The dune stroll and beachcombing will start at 11:00am. Additionally, from 11:00am to 3:00pm, Meigs Point Nature Center will host an Archaeology Road Show where visitors can bring in interesting archaeological finds for on-site experts to examine. The beachcombing event is family and pet-friendly, but pets must be leashed at all times. However, pets are not allowed inside the Nature Center. Hikers should bring water and snacks as needed and dress appropriately for the cold weather.

 

Hopeville Pond State Park - Griswold, CT 
Celebrate the new year and join the Friends of Pachaug State Forest (FOPF) and Hiker Babes of Eastern Connecticut from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Two different hikes will be offered. One will be an easy stroll around Hopeville Pond State Park for about 1.5 miles and lasting about 1 hour. The second option is a moderate hike up the Nehantic Blue Trail to Lester Road, about 4 miles and lasting about 2 hours. Both hikes are family and pet-friendly, though pets must be on a leash at all times. Upon returning from the hike(s), relax around the campfire and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa.  Hikers should bring water and snacks as needed. This event is rain or shine.

 

Kettletown State Park - Southbury, CT 
Join Bob McGarry, member of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA), at 1:30pm for a guided hike of Kettletown State Park's Miller Trail.  This moderate loop trail, about two miles long, passes a charcoal hearth site, seasonal views of Lake Zoar, old stone walls, and evidence of the destruction caused in the park by the tornado of May 15, 2018. If time and interest allow, McGarry will take a small diversion to see some of the damage in the park from the flood of August 18, 2024.  This hike is family-friendly and open to all ages, but strollers are not allowed. Pets must be leashed at all times. Although this hike may cancel in the event of rain, snow or any precipitation, or if there is more than 2 inches of snow on the ground, it is important to wear appropriate winter footwear. 

 

Mansfield Hollow State Park - Mansfield, CT
Join the Friends of Mansfield Hollow State Park at 10:00am for two different group hikes in Mansfield Hollow State Park. Although the event starts at 10:00am, please arrive at the main parking (151 Basset Bridge Road, Mansfield) lot by 9:50am. The first option is a 4.5-mile hike around the lake with a short stop at the at the old silk mill, and the second option is a 2.2-mile hike out to the school and back on the dike trail. Both hikes will involve walking at a steady casual pace, 1.5 to 2 miles per hour. Neither the 2.2-mile hike or the 4.5-mile hike involve any long or steep hills; both hikes have sections that have raised rocks and roots. The 4.5-mile hike has one small rock-hop stream crossing. Steady rain or dangerous driving conditions cancel. The 2.2-mile hike will take about 1 ½ hours and finish before noon and the 4.5-mile hike will take about 3 hours and finish before 1:30pm. Although this event is family friendly, pets are not allowed at this event. Hikers should dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, bring water that can be protected from freezing and snacks.

  • No registration needed
  • For cancellation information, please visit the Friend of Mansfield Hollow State Park Facebook page
  • For questions about the event, please contact John Folsom at (860) 928-2004
  • Park Map

 

Peoples State Forest - Barkhamsted, CT
Come join the Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests (FALPS) at 10:00am to welcome in the New Year with an invigorating hike through Peoples State Forest. This group hike will travel along several different trails through towering pines, along oak ridges to two overlooks and across two boardwalks. Meet at Matthies Grove Parking area just right of entrance booth off East River Road in Peoples State Forest in Barkhamsted. The hike will take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours and is family and pet friendly. Hikers should bring water and snacks as needed and should wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the cold weather.

 

Putnam Memorial State Park - Redding, CT 
Experience the audio tour at Putnam Memorial State Park. Designed for blind & low-vision visitors as well as those with print difficulties, this audio-guided tour of the historic loop can be enjoyed by anyone. Both English and Spanish audio versions are available. Join the virtual hike any time during daylight hours (the park closes at sunset) and bring a device that can operate the CRISAccess app. Download the app ahead of time (in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store) or download it at the Visitor Center using the public Wi-Fi. This hike along Historic Loop trail, hosted by the Friends of Putnam Memorial State Park, is a one-mile loop on gravel and with a few mild inclines. Completion of the hike will take approximately 30 minutes. Visitors have successfully navigated this trail in a power chair. The hike starts at the main gates of the park at the corner of Routes 58 & 107 in Redding, CT. The park is family and pet-friendly, with pets allowed on leashes at all times. Hikers should bring their smartphone, headphones, water, snacks as needed and wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the cold weather.

 

Scantic River State Park - Broad Brook, CT 
Join the East Windsor American Heritage River Commission at 1:00pm for a 2.5 hike through Scantic River State Park. This event is family and pet friendly. Hikers should wear appropriate shoes and clothing for cold weather. Join the group for hot chocolate and a warming barrel after the hike. Donations will be collected for the local food pantry (human and pet items).

  • No registration needed
  • For cancellation information in the event of inclement weather visit the American Heritage River Commission Facebook page
  • For questions about the event, please contact Debbie Talamini at talamini@cox.net or ahriver@sbcglobal.net
  • Park Map

 

Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area - Burlington, CT
Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenge (STL) hiking participants, their families and furry friends are invited to join DEEP State Parks staff to celebrate. This event will take place between 11:00am and 1:00pm at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington, CT. 

Between 11:00am and 12pm (noon), STL certificates and hiking medallions will be handed out to all participants who submitted STL packages (via a google form or through the STL email) out in front of the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area main building. There will also be an opportunity between 11:00am and 12:00pm (noon) for STL participants and their families to hike and walk the trails at Sessions Woods (both guided and self-guided based on interest and numbers participating), and to participate in activities. Participants will also be encouraged to visit the Education Center inside of the Session Woods Wildlife Management Area main building between 11:30am and 12:00pm to take part in the Sessions Woods Wildlife Challenge and/or Wildlife Scavenger Hunt. Hikers should dress appropriately for the cold weather.

From 12:00pm to 1:00pm, STL participants and their families are invited to join DEEP staff in the classroom of the Session Woods Wildlife Management Area main building for a celebration event. During this event, warm beverages and snacks will be served, a 2025 STL photo presentation will be shared and a live drawing will take place for STL hiking sticks (all those that completed all 15 hikes will have their names entered into a drawing for a chance to win a hand-carved hiking stick made by Jim Moore, our DEEP Sawyer, who works at the DEEP Portland Sawmill)  If you are unable to attend the event, we will plan for you to pick up your certificate and medallion at another time (and your hiking stick if your name is chosen; winner need not be present). 

  • This is an event for STL participants and their families/friends only.
  • Pets are not allowed inside the building, and they must be on leash at all times while on-site
  • In case of inclement weather, updates and/or cancellations will be posted on the CT State Parks Facebook page
  • For questions about the event, please contact Kristen Bellantuono at Kristen.bellantuono@ct.gov or by calling or texting (860) 278-6726
  • Wildlife Management Area Map

 

Sherwood Island State Park - Westport, CT 
Celebrate the new year and join the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park from 11:00am to 1:00pm for a 3-mile nature-oriented walk led by a Master Gardener and Environmental Educator! Meet on the porch of the Sherwood Island Nature Center in the East Beach area of the park. The hike will loop along the beach from East to West, then through the West Woods to return to the Nature Center along the beach. Well-behaved dogs on short leashes may participate. No more than one dog per adult, please. This hike is family-friendly and there will be a short break around noon. Hikers should bring water and snacks as needed and wear appropriate shoes and clothing for cold weather; It is colder and windier on the beach. 

  • No registration needed
  • For questions about the event or cancellations due to inclement weather, please contact Michele Sorensen at (203) 247-1390 or by email at michelemsorensen@gmail.com
  • Park Map

 

Sleeping Giant State Park - Hamden, CT 
Please join the Sleeping Giant Park Association at 1:00pm for a hike along various trails in Sleeping Giant State Park. Meet at the main parking area as the visitor center is currently under construction. This hike, approximately 2 miles long, will start at the Tower trail and head along the White trail and then to the Green trail and to the Red triangle and finally head back along Tower trail. The hike will take approximately 2 hours with 2 stops along the way. The Tower trail is a wide gravel path. White trail is a gradual climb with a short steep section of rock near the top. Descent is gradual.  Children must be at least 10 years old to participate in this event. Pets are not allowed at this event. Hikers should bring water and snacks as needed and wear appropriate shoes and clothing for cold weather conditions.

 

West Rock Ridge State Park - Hamden/New Haven, CT
Join the Friends of West Rock Ridge State Park at 10:00am for a 5-mile hike through the Northern section of West Rock Ridge State Park. Meet at the metal gate near 560 West Shepard Avenue in Hamden, at the junction with Rayzoe Terrace. When you arrive, turn your car around and park only on the park side, facing down the hill. This moderately- paced loop hike explores the northern section of the West Rock Ridge State Park, using the Blue-Blazed Regicides Trail and other trails and is led by the person who maintains the trails. The loop includes rolling hills totaling 700 ft. of elevation gain. There are some short sections involving road walks to connect the trail segments. Although this event is family-friendly, be sure of your physical capabilities as this is a 5-mile long, moderately difficult hike. Hikers should bring water and snacks as needed and dress appropriately for cold weather/icy conditions.

Timing/Details

Events, hikes and walks offered vary in time, location, and length.  

Contact

Kristen Bellantuono

860-278-6726

kristen.bellantuono@ct.gov

 

How to get here