 Start Outside. Breathe Deep. Walk Happy: Maine State Parks Invite Everyone to Hit the Trails on New Year’s Day
AUGUSTA – As Maine welcomes 2026, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Parks and Lands is inviting everyone to kick off the New Year with First Day Hikes, part of a nationwide movement encouraging people to begin January 1 outdoors, moving, connecting, and soaking in the season’s beauty.
Why hike on the first day of the year? Science has the answer. Research from the University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center highlights that three proven contributors to happiness and well-being are:
- 🌞 Sunlight
- 👯 Social connection
- 🏃 Exercise
First Day Hikes combine all three wrapped up in fresh air and spectacular natural scenery, making January 1 a perfect moment to step into 2026 feeling energized and optimistic. Bonus: Maine State Park admission and the hike are free to First Day Hikers.
What Are First Day Hikes?
First Day Hikes are a collaborative tradition across state parks nationwide, and right here in Maine, offering all of us an easy, joyful way to connect with the outdoors on New Year’s Day. Whether it’s your first hike ever or your umpteenth year in a row, everyone’s welcome.
Hiking not your cup of tea? No problem! Maine State Parks also encourage participants to enjoy:
- ❄️ Beach walks
- 🎿 Cross-country skiing
- ⛄ Snow sculpture building
- 🚶 Self-guided walks at your own pace
Lead the Way or Wander Your Own
On January 1, four Maine State Parks will host guided First Day Hikes: Camden Hills State Park, Holbrook Island Sanctuary, Sebago Lake State Park, and Two Lights State Park. For those who prefer solitude or flexibility in scheduling, self-guided options are available statewide. Simply choose your favorite park and go!
Take Advantage of these BPL Self-guided Hike Guides:
Plan Your Adventure
Find details on all Maine First Day Hikes and self-guided options: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/activities/first-day-hikes.shtml
You can explore how this tradition connects with state parks across the country at First Day Hikes USA and join thousands of fellow hikers welcoming the New Year outside.
New Year. New Energy. Same Beautiful Maine Outdoors.
Boots on trails, skis on snow, or footprints along the beach, spending the first day of 2026 outdoors offers the chance to reset, reconnect, and re-energize. Grab a friend or bring the family. Step into the sunshine (or snowflakes).
Take the trail less traveled, and begin 2026 with a First Day Hike.
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Media Contact: Jim Britt
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