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.
Mount Greylock State Reservation
January 1, 2026, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Meeting Location: 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA
GPS: 42.553694356777704, -73.21327
Registration required: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Fh2GPrdIDkqYBowE2Bt7Kmip39phsSVPm9-TaYv7LxNUMUs5R0wzVkQ5RzlEWEgwTTMxQ0VXR0RMOS4u&route=shorturl
Celebrate the New Years at Mount Greylock State Reservation on a First Day Hike! Meet at the Mount Greylock Visitor Center. Hiking the Bradley Farm Trail, easy to moderate in difficulty, with an elevation gain of approximately 450 feet. Along the way, enjoy beautiful scenery and interpretive stations highlighting natural and cultural history. Hike is approximately 2 miles, about 1.5 to 2 hours in duration. Dress for the weather, wear winter boots and leashed dogs are welcome. Space is limited to 25; registration is required. Before and after the hike, warm up by the fire inside the Visitor Center. For more information, please call (413) 499-4262.
