Every January 1st, thousands of people across the United States lace up their boots, breathe in the crisp winter air, and hit the trail to kick off the New Year the right way, outdoors. This nationwide tradition, known as First Day Hikes, blends fresh beginnings with fresh air and has become a beloved way to celebrate the start of a new year.

The concept of First Day Hikes started in 1992 at Blue Hills Reservation in Massachusetts, where about 380 people gathered on New Year’s Day for a guided walk through the woods. It was the brainchild of park staff who wanted to offer an alternative way to mark the first day of the year by getting outside, moving, and connecting with nature.

Over the next two decades, the idea caught on. In 2012, the initiative became a nationwide program with state parks in all 50 states offering hikes of various lengths and difficulties. Today, hundreds of hikes take place on January 1 each year, encouraging families, friends, and solo adventurers alike to step into the New Year with intention and wellness.

First Day Hikes in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s state parks adopted the First Day Hike tradition as part of this national movement. The event is organized by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and welcomes residents and visitors alike to explore scenic trails and celebrate the outdoors on January 1st. The exact first year the event was held in Rhode Island isn’t formally documented, but records show that by 2012, the tradition was already spreading in Rhode Island as part of the nationwide adoption and, by the mid-2010s, had become an annual community gathering. Rhode Island Hiking

In recent years, Rhode Island hikes have taken place at parks like Goddard Memorial State Park and George Washington State Campground, offering accessible hikes (often around 1.5 miles) with fun extras like commemorative pins and friendly staff.

Check out the blog on the RI Hiking – 2025 First Day Hike.

2026 First Day Hike in Rhode Island

On January 1, 2026, Rhode Island is again inviting locals and visitors to start their year with a hike. The 2026 First Day Hike will be hosted at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground in Narragansett, where participants can join a self-guided ~1-mile loop anytime between 10 AM and 1 PM.

Along the route, hikers can learn about the campground’s history, including its time as Fort Greene, enjoy scenic views, and pick up commemorative pins while supplies last.

For more details, check out the 2026 First Day Hike on the Rhode Island State Park website.