Vermont State Parks host New Year’s Day hikes

December 16, 2025  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

Little River State Park trail in wintertime. State of Vermont photo

To start the new year off encouraging Vermonters to take time for outdoor recreation, Vermont State Parks will host a number of First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day.

The public is invited to join free, guided hikes taking place at state parks, state forests, and other public lands across Vermont on Jan. 1. Each hike will have a leader knowledgeable about the location and eager to share their love of Vermont’s outdoors.

Hikes in and near Waterbury are planned for Little River State Park in Waterbury, Camel’s Hump State Park from Huntington and the Worcester Range in C.C. Putnam State Forest. 

A list of 16 hikes is posted online on the state parks’ 2026 First Day Hikes page. Each has a description and information to register in advance – signing up helps organizers anticipate attendance. 

Admission to the parks is free on New Year’s Day – and all winter long.