Massachusetts is where the American Revolution began, and it is also where the First Day Hikes started. On New Years Day in 1992, 380 people gathered at Blue Hills Reservation to welcome the new year with a walk in the woods. That simple idea grew into something big. Today, all 50 states offer First Day Hikes on January 1. As we prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026, DCR is proud to celebrate this Massachusetts tradition that continues to inspire the nation.
Halibut Point State Park
January 1, 2026, 10:00am-12:30pm
Meeting Location: Parking lot, 4 Gott Ave., Rockport
GPS: 42.68682577510787, -70.6317506288357
Celebrate the New Year at Halibut Point State Park on a First Day Hike! Join the park staff for a seaside
stroll and enjoy the seasonal scenic splendor including wintering ducks and birds along this rocky coastal
water’s edge. View from Babson Farm Quarry edges the Ipswich Bay and beyond – all the way up the
east coast to Maine! Hike is approximately 2.5-miles, about 2 hours in duration. Dress for cold, windy
weather and wear sturdy boots. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Meet in the parking lot. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Halibut Point State Park. Inclement weather may
cancel. Cancellation message will be left after 3pm the previous day at (857) 268-6024.
