Massachusetts states parks will once again offer free guided hikes for those looking to kick off the new year in the great outdoors.

“As we celebrate MA250, we are proud to continue this initiative that brings together people of all walks of life — across generations, backgrounds, abilities, and communities — to start their year off by getting outside to take in our amazing state parks,” said Gov. Maura Healey.

The 34th annual First Day Hikes initiative will host free guided hikes at 14 parks across the state on Jan. 1, from Boston to Mashpee to Turner Falls.

The hikes are scheduled to begin anywhere from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the various parks and range from 1 mile to 5 miles. More information about the locations, times and hikes can be found on DCR’s website.

The tradition began in Massachusetts on New Year’s Day in 1992, when 400 people gathered in Blue Hills Reservation in Milton for the holiday. Over the years, the program expanded to include more parks across the state and was adopted across all 50 states in 2012 following the endorsement of America’s State Parks.

The initiative “aims to promote year-round outdoor recreation and to inspire residents and families to discover the beauty of the Massachusetts State Parks system,” DCR said.

In 2024, over 3,000 took part in the New Year’s hike, the department said.

Hikers this year will receive a First Day Hike winter hat, note explaining the history of the initiative, and a First Day Hike commemorative pin at the parks. Most locations will also provide hot chocolate after the hike.

DCR recommends participants “dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water” and contact the park to confirm the hike will take their place if any inclement weather occurs.

“One of our goals at DCR is to get more families outside into our amazing state parks and build the next generation of environmental stewards and First Day Hikes is a great way to do that,” said Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We look forward to seeing Massachusetts residents and families at one of our 14 hikes across the state this New Year’s Day, connecting with the natural world and experiencing all our state parks system has to offer.”

The parks include in the First Day Hikes program include Pope John Paul II Park Reservation, Breakheart Reservation, Halibut Point, Harold Parker State Forest, Walden Pond State Reservation, South Cape Beach, Blue Hills Reservation, Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center, Blackstone River and Canal Heritage, Dunn, Pearl Hill, Wachusett Reservoir, Great Falls Discovery Center and Chester Blandford State Forest.

Men climb stairs while working out at the Wachusett Reservoir Dam in Clinton, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)