On New Year’s day, Granite Staters can go on free guided tours at three state parks around the state. The tours are sponsored by New Hampshire’s department of Parks and Recreation.
The Division of Parks and Recreation is working in conjunction with local groups to push granite staters to start their year outdoors. Amy Bassett with the office of Travel and Tourism says this is the second year the state has sponsored First Day Hikes. The idea came from a national group:
Basically there’s an organization called America’s state Parks, it’s a national organization, and their goal is to promote state parks and the benefits of state parks.
In Milan, the Nansen Ski Club will lead cross country skiers on a two-mile round trip loop at Milan Hill State Park that includes a view of the Northern Presidential Mountains.
And in Jaffrey and Portsmouth, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests will lead hikes in Monadnock State Park, and at the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion State Historic Site, respectively.
Demo skis and snowshoes will be available on a first-come first-serve basis.