Photo: James Rojas / WBZ NewsRadio
SAUGUS, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Some will have a rocky start to their 2023, and not in the bad way. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is offering over a dozen guided hikes at state parks across the Commonwealth on News Year Day.
All 50 states in the U.S. are participating in the annual "First Day Hikes," and in the Bay State there will be multiple trips to choose from:
Central Region:
- Blackstone River & Canal HSP First Day Hike 10:00am
- Purgatory Chasm SR First Day Hike 2:00pm
- Wachusett Reservoir First Day Hike, 11:00am
- Breakheart Reservation First Day Hike 10:00am
North Region:
- Halibut Point SP First Day Hike 10:00am
- Middlesex Fells SR First Day Hike 10:00am
- Walden Pond SP First Day Hike 10:00am
West Region:
- Great Falls Discovery Center First Day Hike 1:00 pm
- Mt. Greylock SR First Day Hike 9:30am/ 12:30pm
Of course, there will be opportunities for self-guided hikes in many other parks and forests in the state, interested hikers can find the closest trail to them here.
WBZ's James Rojas met up with "Breakheart Bob" on his home turf at the Breakheart Reservation in Saugus, which is participating in First Day Hikes with a set of hikes ranging from two to three miles long.
"It's a great idea, especially since people don't have to be in shape they just walk. It's good for the kids and families, and to get used to the outdoors. It's good comradery— when it's cold we try to encourage each other so it's not only getting the exercise, it's meeting all the people from around the world that come here," Breakheart Bob said.
Hikers will be treated to hot chocolate after they cross the finish line, and at the Breakheart Reservation, participants will also get some clam chowder from Kelly's.
Read More: Brockton Man's Business Sending Mangos From Family Farm In Haiti To Mass.
Experienced hiker Clinton Becker was walking his dog Ruthy, but stopped to give some helpful tips to those just starting out. He says one mistake new hikers make is not coming prepared and not knowing the entire route by heart.
"There's a lot of good resources, you could follow trails that are well marked. Don't be afraid to get a little lost, there's a lot of cool trails if you go off the beaten path here— just have fun," Becker said.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) reports.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App