First Day Hikes - January 1, 2024

First Day Hikes logo showing hiker symbol below calendar page for January 1

Maine State Park First Day Hikes, part of the nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors, are a combination of led and self-guided hikes, and virtual visits for 2024. 

  • Guided Program Listings:
    • Camden Hills State Park, Camden - 9:00 a.m. Meet at the visitor center. Join us for a scenic 2.6-mile hike on the Megunticook and Adams Lookout Trails with Park Ranger Erik Hallsey to ring in 2024. The Megunticook Trail is a moderately difficult hike that leads to the easy Adams Lookout Trail. Both trails provide scenic points that include excellent views of Penobscot Bay. Leashed pets are welcome. Read all the details and view the flyer. FMI: (207) 236-0849.
    • Holbrook Island Sanctuary, Brooksville - 1-4:00 p.m. Meet at the Backshore Trail parking lot on Indian Bar Road. The hike is a leisurely 1.5 mile walk for all ages. Meet and Greet at 1:00 - Warm beverages, water, and snacks will be on hand at the start and finish of our walk. The guided hike will begin at 1:30 or explore on your own anytime during the afternoon. Please wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Pets on leash are welcome. Read all the details and view the flyer. FMI: (207) 326-4012.
    • Mount Blue State Park, Weld - 10:00 a.m. Meet at the Park Headquarters, 229 Center Hill Road, at the yurt where hot drinks and a fire will be provided. This is an easy to moderate 1.5 mile history hike with several gentle hills and some rock. All ages are welcome but parents should be prepared to carry their children if they tire. Please do not bring pets. Read all the details and view the flyer. FMI: (207) 585-2261
    • Two Lights State Park, Cape Elizabeth - 6:30-9:00 a.m. The park is off Route 77. Meet at High Head at the rose garden. Arrive at 6:30 for the sunrise. Hike begins at 7:30. This is a leasurely 3/4-mile loop hike along the shoreline and woodland paths. Parents must accompany children under 12 years old. Pets must be leashed. Read all the details and view the flyer. FMI: (207) 799-5871.
  • Self-guided Hike Guides:
  • Share your self-guided hike photos and comments with us by tagging @mainedacf to Instagram and Facebook.
  • Stay Informed with Safety Updates.

Virtual Visits

Bradbury Mt. State Park, Pownal, Maine.

Experience or re-live the 2020 First Day Hike with Governor Mills and an enthusiastic group of hikers who made the trek to the summit of Bradbury Mountain on a glorius blue sky day! Start your journey!

Maine Governor Janet Mills attends the 2020 Firest Day Hike. Click to experience the video on Facebook.

Holbrook Island Sanctuary, Brooksville, Maine.

Holbrook Island Sanctuary offers a scenic natural area of upland forests, rocky shores, and an offshore island. Opportunities include hiking, nature appreciation, and cross-country skiing in winter. Start your journey with Aislinn Sarnacki, Adventure expert, Bangor Daily News.

For the Snowbirds who have had to remain in Maine and those looking for a tropical paradise:

Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, O‘ahu

Kaiwi's First Day Hike celebration is a multicultural event. The day begins with the customary blowing of the Pu (conch shell - at 3 minutes and 50 seonds into the video), followed by bagpipes, and a taiko drum performance. Aerial shots of the beautiful shoreline follow the opening ceremony. Start your journey!

Kalalau Trail

Take an 11 mile stunningly beautiful hike on the coastal Kalalau Trail plus a scenic flight aboard a helicopter for an awesome ride - all in less than eight minutes! This is a terrific video to watch while doing your own workout. Start your journey!