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.
Willard Brook State Forest
January 1, 2026, 10:00am-1:00pm
Meeting Location: 59 Townsend Road, Ashby
GPS: 42.662843103212374, -71.79173034573975
Registration required: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Fh2GPrdIDkqYBowE2Bt7Kmip39phsSVPm9-TaYv7LxNUQ1FWUFlVWTVMT1ZCTE4ySFIwRzRDSU40Mi4u&route=shorturl
Celebrate the New Year at Willard Brook State Forest in Ashby on a First Day Hike! Hike the Brook Trail
Loop at Damon Pond. Enjoy scenic views on this moderately paced hike in the heart of the park. Hike is
approximately 2.5-miles, about 3 hours in duration. Dress for the weather and leashed dogs are
welcome to join.
Enjoy a warming fire before and after the event. Space is limited; registration is required. For more
information, please call (978) 597-8802.
