Are you looking for an invigorating opportunity to get outside and celebrate New Year’s Day with your family and friends? Join the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation and its partners on a rejuvenating family-friendly hike this New Year’s Day.
Five state parks across New Hampshire, including Monadnock State Park in Jaffrey, will host free hikes to provide the opportunity for individuals and families to welcome in 2020 in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature.
Join Monadnock State Park staff and the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests land stewards for a three-mile hike along the Parker Trail to the Little Mountain Viewpoint.
The hike starts with a glimpse of Poole Reservoir and continue on following rolling hills and old stonewalls as you round the base of Mt. Monadnock towards the Old Toll Road. This hike will take approximately three hours to complete. For those looking for a more leisurely hike, follow the Parker Trail to the Cliff Walk Junction and back.
The shorter hike will take approximately two hours to complete and follows relatively flat terrain. After the hike, enjoy hot drinks and snacks while warming up next to the outdoor fire.
“First Day hikes are a great opportunity to embrace winter and experience the beauty of NH State Parks,” said Eric Feldbaum, NH Div. of Parks and Recreation community recreation specialist. “We are excited to offer First Day Hikes for the tenth season. We invite you to become part of this great tradition.”
For information regarding recommended clothing and gear, please visit www.hikesafe.com. Traction devices for footwear are highly recommended (trails may be icy); Be sure to pack water and a snack for during the hike. The park will provide a warm drink and healthy snack at the completion of the hike.
Registration and check in for First Day Hikes, at all locations, will run from noon to 2 p.m. Hikes commence at noon and continue to 4 p.m. Online registration at www.nhstateparks.org/news-events/first-day-hike is recommended. For questions, contact Feldbaum at nhfdh@dncr.nh.gov or (603) 271-3556.