Start the New Year with a 'First Day Hike' Up Sleeping Giant

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection joins America’s State Parks in sponsoring First Day Hikes on Jan. 1 at four state parks, including Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden.  

First Day Hikes originated more than 20 years ago at a state park in Massachusetts.  In 2012, for the first time, all 50 state park systems joined together to sponsor First Day hikes, offering 400 hikes nationwide.  

“First Day hikes offer a convenient way to get outside,  meet new people, exercise, and welcome the New Year with friends and family,” said Daniel C. Esty, Commissioner of the DEEP.  “For the third year Connecticut is participating as we once again join all 49 other states that will provide First Day hikes for 2014.”

The Sleeping Giant Park Association invites hikers to join them and help usher in the New Year at the Giant. The hike will involve traveling over uneven, rocky terrain, possibly with a degree of rock scrambling. At some point in the hike, the group may break into two smaller groups, with one returning to the starting point after about 1 1/2 hours, while the other group will continue for another hour or so. Hikers should be in good physical condition to participate.

The Sleeping Giant State Park’s hike begins at 1:30 p.m. Dress for the weather and bring water and a snack.  Dogs are not permitted on the Sleeping Giant hikes.