Celebrate The New Year With A First Day Hike

 It’s morning, New Year’s Day. After a night of welcoming in the new year, you’re ready to shake off the remnants of the previous evening. What’s the best way to do that?

 How about a New Year’s Day hike?

 Getting out on New Year’s Day and enjoying a bit of nature to start the year off is fast becoming a tradition with many Cape Codders. There are plenty of organized hikes to choose from, or you can always head toward your favorite trails and go on your own. 

 The hikes are organized by First Day Hikes Cape Cod, under the auspices of the Barnstable Land Trust. All range from one to two hours; some require advanced registration, but all are free. More information, including how to register and where to park, can be found at blt.org/firstdayhikescapecod.

Last year 15 organizations sponsored 18 free hikes that drew more than 750 participants. This year, 16 organizations are participating. Here are some of the first day hikes being planned for Jan. 1.

For early risers, sunrise hikes will be held at Sandy Neck Beach in West Barnstable at 6:30 a.m. and at West Dennis Beach at 6:45 a.m.

The Brewster Conservation Trust will lead two walks on Jan. 1. The first begins at 9 a.m. at Eagle Point on a flat one-mile trail. It will last about an hour. 

A second walk will take place at the Calf Field Pond trail in the Punkhorn Parklands from 1 to 3 p.m. on a 2.5-mile trail that is hilly and rocky. 

Both walks are free and suitable for adults and children over 12. Registration can be found on the BCT website at www.brewsterconservationtrust.org.

A “Restoration Tour and Photography Stroll” will be held in Harwich at 9 a.m., sponsored by the Harwich Conservation Trust. The hike takes in HCDT’s newly restored Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve with leader and photographer Gerry Beetham. Bring binoculars and a camera.

HCT will also sponsor “More Walk, Less Talk” at the Bell’s Neck Conservation Lands at 9:30 a.m. Led by Pat Sarantis, the moderately paced walk will explore the area from all sides of the West Reservoir.

The Chatham Conservation Foundation will sponsor guided walks along the Mill Pond overlook trail at 1 and 2 p.m. Led by Executive Director Lauren Arcomano, the trail takes in beautiful views of Mill Pond. Parking is available at the Atwood House parking lot.

Also at 1 p.m., the Orleans Conservation Trust will sponsor a hike along the Portanimicut Greenbelt, beginning at the newly built trailhead. The walk takes in old fields, wooded forests and an Atlantic white cedar swamp on the town-owned Christian Conservation Area.