First Day Events, Hikes and Walks

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

Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve First Day Hike - Bloomfield, CT
Join the Friends of Auerfarm Scenic Reserve (FASR) from 1:00 - 2:30 pm to learn about the history of Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve and take in some beautiful views from atop Cider Hill.  We'll have warm, kid-friendly drinks to share with Friends of Auerfarm Scenic Reserve (FASR) volunteers who support various activities at the park.   We will meet at the first parking area on Auer Farm Road located at the bottom of Cider Hill and the entrance to the park.  We’ll walk up Cider Hill together to the summit, which is about a 10-minute walk.  Although the walk is not particularly steep, it may be slippery based on weather conditions, so make sure to wear appropriate winter walking shoes.  Wet weather may cancel.

Registration is required at this link:  First Day hike at Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve - Connecticut Forest and Park Association

Dinosaur State Park First Day Hike - Rocky Hill, CT
Celebrate the First Day at Dinosaur State Park with a guided hike on the Red Trail.  Hikes will take place every 30 minutes beginning at 10:00 am, with the last hike taking place at 2:30 pm.  The Red Trail is appropriate for all ages. Please note that the Dinosaur State Park Exhibit Center will be closed and that there is a single outdoor composting toilet available for those attending to use.  For questions, please contact Dinosaur State Park at (860) 529-5816 or by email at deep.dinosaur@ct.gov.

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park First Day Hike - Groton, CT
Join the Friends of Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton, CT for a First Day Hike that tours the Fort.  Hike begins at 1:00 pm.  Meet at the main gate of the Fort, located at the corner of Monument and Park.  Visit the Friends of Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park page for more information.  For questions, please email: info@fortgriswold.org.  

Hammonasset Beach State Park First Day Hike - Madison, CT
Join Ranger Russ and Friends of Hammonasset Beach State Park and Meigs Point Nature Center for a Moraine Hike at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, CT.  Participants should meet at 11:00 am in front of the Meigs Point Nature Center and expect to hike/walk a half mile over rocks.  This is a family-friendly hike where participants will learn what a moraine is and how it came to be here. There is a chance to see birds and other wildlife so feel free to bring your binoculars.  Between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, the public is invited to bring artifacts, rocks or fossils to the Archaeology Road Show being hosted by the Friends of Hammonasset Beach State Park.  This will be held inside the Beach Room at Meigs Point Nature Center.  Friends will attempt to identify the items brought in and will hope to provide a story about them and tell their stories.  For questions, please contact the Meigs Point Nature Center at 203-245-8743 or email rangermpnc@gmail.com

Kellogg Environmental Center, Osbornedale State Park First Day Hike - Derby, CT
Join outdoor specialist and interpreter, Stephanie, at the Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby, CT to begin your new year with an “Outdoor Forest Wander and Take in a Breath of Fresh Air” event from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Participants will enjoy an afternoon of experiential encounters with the outdoors to relax your mind, breathe and connect with the world around you.  This Japanese practice is known in Japan as 'shinrin yoku' and involves the senses to help everyone increase personal well-being.   This event is for participants ages 15 and older.  The wander will be over uneven ground, but we will move at a slow pace. All participants should dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for the outdoors.  This First Day "wander" is limited to a small group and registration is required.  Please call 203-734-2513 to register by December 30th to allow us preparation of materials and provide verbal confirmation with participants.  Kellogg Environmental Center is part of Osbornedale State Park located at 500 Hawthorne Ave in Derby, CT.   

Kettletown State Park First Day Hike - Southbury, CT
Welcome the New Year with a hike on the Miller Trail at Kettletown State Park.  The hike will begin at 9:30 am. The trail is about 2 miles long, a moderate, family-friendly hike (though not stroller friendly).  We will pass 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.  This is a loop trail.  Hikers should wear sturdy footwear and bring water and a snack. The hike is moderate, with the usual Connecticut up and down.  If time and interest allow, we will take a small diversion to see some of the damage in the park from the floods of August 18, 2024.

Registration is required, and this hike is limited to 25 participants.  To register, please call or email the hike leader Bob McGarry at 475-337-1523, bernieandbob@charter.net.  Be sure to note your name, email, phone number and number in your party when registering.  Rain, snow, or any precipitation cancels. Over 2” of snow on the ground cancels.  

Kettletown State Park is located at 1400 Georges Hill Rd., Southbury, CT 06488.  As of early December, the day use area of the park is open, but the campground area is closed.  When arriving at the park, participants should drive straight in, keeping to the right at junctions.  Participants should meet at the auxiliary trail head for the Miller Trail, located near a solar powered outhouse. Parking is available there, or in other lots close by.

Scantic River State Park First Day Hike - East Windsor, CT  
Join us at Scantic River State Park in Broad Brook. CT from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, for the 15th Annual New Year's Day Hike hosted by the East Windsor American Heritage River Commission.  Families and friendly four-legged friends are welcome! The hike will kick off at 1:00 pm in the parking area at end of Melrose Road in Broad Brook.   Participants should dress appropriately for weather and wear proper footwear for conditions. Donations will be collected for our local food pantry (human and pet items).  A warming barrel and hot chocolate will be provided to participants.  For questions, please contact Debbie Talamini, American Heritage River Commission at:  talamini@cox.net or visit the Facebook page at:  American Heritage River Commission.

Sleeping Giant State Park Association First Day Hike - Hamden, CT
Join the Sleeping Giant State Park Association for a First Day Hike at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, CT.  The hike will start at 1:00 pm and take approximately 2 hours (with stops along the way).  The total distance will be about 2.5 miles in length.  Participants will hike up the tower path to the white trail, then up to the big rock overlook at the west end of the green trail.  We'll pause there for a celebration of the new year, then participants will take the green trail to the red triangle to the tower path. From there, people can either hike up to the tower or back down to their cars.  This hike is considered moderate in nature.  Participants are asked to meet at the map board at the front of the park to start.  No registration is necessary.  Bad weather will cancel.  If there is inclement weather, please visit the Sleeping Giant State Park Association website at: www.sgpa.org and/or the Sleeping Giant State Park Association Facebook page.  For questions, please contact Mick Martucci, Sleeping Giant Park Association Hiking Manager at:  hiking@sgpa.org

Sky’s the Limit Hiking (STL) Challenge First Day Hike Celebration Event - 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 the First Day.  This event will take place between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington, CT. Between 11:00 am and noon, certificates and medallions will be handed out to all participants who submitted packages out in front of the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area main building. There will also be an opportunity between 11:00 am and noon for STL participants to hike and walk the trails at Sessions Woods.  Participants will also be encouraged to visit the Education Center inside of the Session Woods Wildlife Management Area main building and take part in the Sessions Woods Wildlife Challenge and/or Wildlife Scavenger Hunt. From noon to 1:00 pm, 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, and a live drawing will take place for 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.)  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). Please be aware that dogs on a leash are welcome to join for the outdoor portion of the event.  However, dogs are not allowed inside of the Sessions Woods Education Center.  

Registration isn’t required to attend this event, but please note that this is a private event for STL participants and their families only.  Should you have questions, please contact Kristen Bellantuono at: Kristen.bellantuono@ct.gov.  Ice accumulation, fresh snow, and unsafe driving conditions on the day of the event will postpone.  In case of inclement weather, updates and/or cancellations will be posted on the CT State Parks Facebook page.

West Rock Ridge State Park Association First Day Hike - Hamden, CT
Join the West Rock Ridge Park Association for a 5-mile, moderately paced loop hike along the mellow terrain of the Red and White Trails.  Participants should meet at 10:00 a.m. for a 10:15 a.m. start from Wintergreen Magnet School, 670 Wintergreen Ave., Hamden. This hike will be led by the person who has maintained the trails at West Rock since 2007.  Participants will enjoy scenic views of Lake Wintergreen, created in 1865 by the Fair Haven Water Company, framed by the ridge that we will not be climbing. The hike has a mere 260 feet of elevation gain. There are no restrooms at the start, so participants should plan to use highway rest area or home bathroom before arriving. No dogs, please.  There is no need to RSVP for this hike or to send regrets as to why you cannot make it: just show up if interested.  Heavy falling rain or snow, or unsafe driving conditions will cancel. In case of light rain, participants should dress for the weather.  For questions, please contact Tom Ebersold at bikehikekayak123@sbcglobal.net 

Hike sponsored by the West Rock Ridge Park Association: https://westrockpark.wordpress.com
Park map: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/stateparks/parks/WestRock_20230828.pdf
Hike GPS track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48881936
Park information is available on the leader-created website at http://westrocktrails.blogspot.com/ 

Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forest (FALPS) First Day Hike - Barkhamsted, CT
Join the Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forest (FALPS) for a First Day Hike at Peoples State Forest in Barkhamsted, CT at 10:00 am.  Meet at Matthies Grove within Peoples State Forest (take a left when entering the parking lot).  The hike will be about 4 miles long.  This will be a beautiful, moderate forest walk.  Participants will pass through towering pines on our way to a hardwood ridge line, then down across two boardwalks which meander through the wetlands - one is over 840' in length. Please contact Erik Landgraf, FALPS President, at 12fishnote@gmail.com with any questions.  Also, visit the FALPS Facebook page for specific details and information at: Friends of American Legion & Peoples State Forest or by visiting: https://falps.org

Friends of Chatfield Hollow State Park First Day Hike - Killingworth, CT
The Friends of Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth, CT will host two New Year’s Day programs.  The first program will be a hike beginning at 11:00 am with Kathy Zandi.  Participantes should meet at the ticket booth for this hike. The type of hike will be determined at the start based on the number of participants and ability levels.  No dogs are allowed on this hike.  The second program will be a 'Bark in the Park' Walk, led by Shelly Panico and Martina Jakober, beginning at noon. Participants should meet at the bus parking lot.  All leashed dogs and pet parents are welcome. Canine costumes are encouraged but not required . Dog biscuits will be provided for all canine participants.  The walk with the dogs and owners will take place on the roads.  No registration needed.  For questions or additional information, please contact 860-391-1919, ckbucks@gmailcom or visit the Friends of Chatfield Hollow State Park Facebook Event page.  Any cancellation due to weather will appear on the Friends of Chatfield Hollow Facebook page two hours prior to the event.

Friends of Gillette Castle State Park First Day Hike - East Haddam, CT
Celebrate the start of a new year with fresh air and exercise at Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, CT.  From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, 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.  Visitors who pre-register at www.gillettecastlefriends.org can also participate in guided hikes of the route followed by William Gillette's narrow-gauge train system.  The guided hikes are scheduled to occur between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.  Each hike is approximately an hour long, covering gentle and flat trails that have some brief climbs.  Guided hikes will be limited to 20 visitors each and advance registration is required at www.gillettecastlefriends.org.  Sturdy shoes and warm clothing are recommended for all participants.  Should you have questions, please reach out to the Friends of Gillette Castle at gillettecastlevolunteers@gmail.com

Friends of Machimoodus Sunrise State Park First Day Hike - Moodus, CT
Join the Friends of Machimoodus & Sunrise State Park in Moodus, CT as they host a family-friendly hike on New Year’s Day.  Please meet near the kiosk at Machimoodus State Park.  Leashed dogs are welcome to join with their people.  For questions, please email machsunfriends@gmail.com or visit the Friends of Machimoodus and Sunrise State Parks Facebook page 

Friends of Pachaug State Forest First Day Hike - Griswold, CT
Join the Friends of Pachaug State Forest for two hikes at Hopeville Pond State Park.  These hikes are being offered in partnership with the Friends of Pachaug State Forest and the local Hike Babes Group.  Participants should meet at 10:00 am at the Hopeville Pond State Park Picnic Shelter.  There will be two hikes offered:  The first hike will be a longer, 4-5 mile hike up the Nehantic blue trail.  The second hike will be a short,1.5-mile hike around the park trail. There will be a few fire rings available as well as hot cocoa to help warm participants up.  All are welcome.  For questions, please contact Ryan Snide at: rsnide83@yahoo.com or visit the Friends of Pachaug State Forest Facebook page

Friends of Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area First Day Hike - Burlington, CT
Join the Friends of Sessions Woods member Jan Gatzuras and other Friends Group members at 10:00 am for a 4 mile, mildly strenuous hike over varied terrain.  Participants will hike on a combination of Blue Blazed and mountain bike trails all within the beautiful Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington, CT.  Participants should meet at 10:00 am in the parking lot of Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area near the gazebo. Appropriate shoes, water and a snack are highly recommended for all participants.  For questions, please contact Jan Gatzuras at 860-212-6067.  This event will be cancelled due to icy conditions or heavy rain.  If in doubt, text, or call Jan before 9:00 am on the day of the hike.

Friends of Sherwood Island State Park First Day Hike - Westport, CT
Join the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park for a First Day Hike at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, CT.  Particiapnts should meet at the Nature Center in the East Beach area at 1:00 pm for the hike.  The hike will make a big loop along the beach from East to West, and through the woods to return to the Nature Center.  All participants should dress warmly and be prepared for uneven terrain.  The event is free and open to all. The hike leader will be Michele Sorensen, Sherwood Island Garden Team Captain.  For questions, please contact Michele at: 203-247-1390.  Please also be sure to visit the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park Facebook page.