Take a hike and kick off 2024 on the right foot!
Once again, CT DEEP has compiled a list of First Day Hikes across the State. Of course, you can head to your favorite Ridgefield trail or State Park (we are home to two State Parks - Bennetts Pond State Park and Seth Low Pierrepont.
For a complete list, visit CT DEEP online here
First Day Hike: Dinosaur State Park
Start your new year on the right foot! Join us for our First Day Hike and Purple Trail Grand Opening at Dinosaur State Park. Dinosaur State Park, in association with the National Association of State Park Directors, will host a First Day Hike. First Day Hikes across the country provide an opportunity for the whole family to have fun and take advantage of local treasures. This year, we are especially excited to open our newest trail! The newly blazed purple trail will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a group hike of the trail. We will meet for the grand opening of the trail at the exhibit center at 10:15 am, walk to the trailhead together, and enjoy the newest addition to our Park’s trails. The total distance hiked as a group will be less than a mile, but you are welcome to explore all 2.5 miles of trails on our property throughout the day. We will also have our exhibit center’s classroom open, where you will find exhibits, activities, live animals, and refreshments. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Dinosaur Park and Arboretum. Staff will be on hand to help you make the most of this exciting event. Come join us and be sure to bundle up!
Date: 1/1/2024
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill, CT
First Day Hike: Sherwood Island State Park
The Friends of Sherwood Island State Park invite people of all ages to a First Day Hike and Nature Walk on Monday, January 1 at 11 am, meeting at the Main Pavilion in front of the mosaic on the east side. Our pace will be moderate to keep warm. We encourage you to bring binoculars to spot loons and winter ducks as we walk the entire length of the beach, about 45-60 minutes. For those who want a longer walk, we’ll then head into the woods along the history trail. Bitter cold, high winds, or rain will cancel. Contact Hike Leader Michele at 203-247-1390 or on email at michelemsorensen@gmail.com with questions. See our post on Facebook Sherwood Island Friends. Check our website https://friendsofsherwoodisland.org/
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Sherwood Island State Park, Westport, CT
First Day Hike: Southford Falls State Park
Join hike leader Bob McGarry for a ramble through the woods on Jan. 1, 2024 - No better way to start the new year. The hike will follow the loop trail in Southford Falls State Park in Southbury, CT. The trail is about 1.5 miles long, a moderate hike, and family-friendly. The hike will begin at 2:00 PM and should end about 3:30 pm. We will meet at the signboard near the dam, not far from the parking lot. During the hike, we will pass a variety of park features, including a covered bridge, remains of a match factory, a walk to an observation tower, and, of course, the falls themselves. Parking is frequently difficult, so carpooling is recommended, if possible. Wear sturdy footwear, bring water and a snack. Not stroller-friendly. Rain or snow cancels. Also, more than 2” of snow on the ground cancels. Southford Falls State Park is located at 175 Quaker Farms Rd, Southbury, CT 06488 The hike is limited to 25 people. Registration is required. For any questions, or to register for the hike, please e-mail Bob McGarry at: bernieandbob@charter.net or call on hike day at 475-337-1523.
Date: 1/1/2024
Time: 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Location: Southford Falls State Park, Southbury, CT
First Day Hike: West Rock Ridge State Park
Date: 1/1/2024
Time: 10:00 am
Location: West Rock Ridge State Park, New Haven, CT
Meet at 10:00 am to hike at 10:15 am from the footbridge behind Elm City Montessori School, 495 Blake St., New Haven, at the corner of Valley Street, for this moderate-paced 4-5 mile loop hike (approximately 2.5 hour long hike) along the trails and roads at the southern end of West Rock. The hike features views from the South Overlook and historic Judges Cave.
The hike is led by the volunteer trails manager at the park, who will share his insight into the park and its history. The hike starts with a steady climb up to the South Overlook on the Westville Feeder and Regicides Trails; then walk Regicide Drive (closed to cars for the season) to Judges Cave; next follow the Green Trail over the West Rock (Heroes) Tunnel for a return on the Red Trail.
Bring water and a snack or lunch. This hike is suitable for children ages 10 and older. Well-mannered dogs welcome.
There is no need to RSVP for this hike; please just show up if interested.