Mansfield Hollow Included In CT First Day Hike Program

MANSFIELD, CT — Mansfield Hollow is part of the 2026 Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection First Day Hikes program.

The program is designed to encourage residents and visitors to start the new year outdoors and, on New Year's Day, volunteer-led outings are hosted by Connecticut’s State Park partner groups.

"Start the New Year on a refreshing note by joining us for a First Day Hike," DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "Visitors arriving in Connecticut registered vehicles can enter state parks for free, thanks to the Passport to Parks program, making First Day Hikes an affordable and fun way to celebrate the New Year. "

Most outings average one to two miles but may be longer depending on the location.

At Mansfield Hollow State Park on Jan. 1, Hikers can join the Friends of Mansfield Hollow State Park at 10 a.m. for two different group hikes. Although the event starts at 10, hikers should arrive at the main parking (151 Bassetts Bridge Road,) lot by 9:50.

The first option is a 4.5-mile hike around the lake with a short stop at the at the old silk mill, and the second option is a 2.2-mile hike out to the school and back on the dike trail.

Both hikes will involve walking at a steady casual pace, 1.5 to 2 miles per hour. Neither the 2.2-mile hike or the 4.5-mile hike involve any long or steep hills, but both hikes have sections that have raised rocks and roots.

The 4.5-mile hike has one small rock-hop stream crossing. Steady rain or dangerous driving conditions will prompt cancellation.

The 2.2-mile hike will take about 90 minutes and finish before noon and the 4.5-mile hike will take about 3 hours and finish before 1:30pm.

Pets are not allowed at the event.

Hikers should dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, bring water that can be protected from freezing and snacks.

For cancellation information, please visit the Friend of Mansfield Hollow State Park Facebook page

For questions about the event, contact John Folsom at (860) 928-2004

Here's a park map.

"A First Day Hike is the perfect way to start off the new year by getting outside with friends and family for fresh air and exercise at one of Connecticut’s 110 State Parks and 32 State Forests," said Brian Wilson, the DEEP State Parks Director. "The variety of hiking and walking options – and their geographic accessibility – helps make it easy for people of all ages to get out on the trails. We encourage everyone to discover the power of parks in 2026."

Cold-weather hiking can be fun as long as participants prepare. DEEP recommends the basic hiking safety tips offered by the American Hiking Society.

First Day Hikes started as an idea in 1992 at Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, MA. The hike became a tradition that spread across the country and in 2012 became a national event under the National Association of State Park Directors, which promotes and advances the state park systems of America. Now, hundreds of free First Day Hikes in all 50 states offer individuals and families an opportunity to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature, and welcome the new year at a state park or forest close to home.

Established in 1913, the mission of the Connecticut State Park System is to provide natural resource-based public recreational and educational opportunities through a system of State Park and Forest recreation areas, environmental centers, and nature centers that provide an understanding of, access to, and enjoyment of the state’s historic, cultural, and natural resources.