To ring in the New Year, N.H. State Parks welcome back its popular First Day Hikes. These hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a free organized self-guided hike on January 1st.
Some thoughts from our staff:
The Robert Frost Farm in Derry, a state historic site, is where the famed poet lived while he tried farming and teaching at Pinkerton Academy early in his career. The house and barn won’t be open to the public on January 1st, but you can still enjoy the exteriors and setting, then follow the trail systems, which include placards of Frost’s poems – many inspired by the landscapes and neighbors from his Derry days. While you enjoy the natural beauty of the site, you can also take great pride in the perseverance of Frost’s daughter and key legislators in the 1960s who campaigned to restore the house after it had been converted into a junkyard. Today, the Frost Farm is the state’s most visited historic site in the parks system.
Monadnock State Park is just as evocative, and not only because it’s a contender for the title of “most climbed mountain the in the world.” It is an example of conservation efforts that go back to the late 19th century and include a successful 1904 campaign to preserve the mountain’s natural beauty and prevent widespread logging of its slopes. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the State Park headquarters in the 1930s, and today there’s an extensive network of trails. Landmarks along the way include the site of the former Half-Way House, a spacious hotel for summer visitors, and a marker noting Thoreau’s connections to the mountain. Don’t miss the historic surrounding towns of Jaffrey and Dublin which are rich in beautifully preserved homes and churches, many sited to enjoy views of Mount Monadnock.
Odiorne Point State Park in Rye occupies a strategic point of land south of Portsmouth, a site that has seen thousands of years of use. While its natural state suggests this piece of land remained untouched all those years, the site was actually cleared of all its summer estates by eminent domain for military coastal defenses during World War II. The area was acquired and preserved by the state after the war and was eventually designated as a place for outdoor recreation. Trails through low vegetation wind past some of the former military embattlements of Fort Dearborn, old roads, and stone walls. Many trails offer stunning views and access to the Atlantic shoreline.
The Bureau of Historic Sites was created in 2007 to steward and operate the State Parks’ portfolio of historic house museums, archaeological sites, monuments, and even the Big Nansen Ski Jump. Its creation followed great public input and a spot on the inaugural Seven to Save list. More on our state’s historic sites can be found here: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/historic-sites
While first day hikes are all self-guided, registration is required, and same-day registration is not allowed. Hot cocoa and snacks will be served at the end of each hike. Pets are welcomed at most locations but must be leashed at all times.
Here are a few other helpful tips to make your day enjoyable:
- Please remember to check the weather prior to the event.
- All hikes will be rain, snow, or shine.
- Dress in layers appropriate for the winter weather and wear appropriate footwear. for more information regarding recommended clothing and gear, please visit Hike Safe.
- Traction devices such as microspikes or yaktrax are highly recommended (trails may be icy).
- Be sure to pack water and a snack for during the hike. The Park will provide a warm drink and healthy snack at the completion of the hike.