Step into 2025 with Parks: Five Ideas for First Day Walks and Urban Hikes in Boston

The First Day Hikes campaign, which began in Massachusetts in 1992, encourages outdoor winter adventures. For an urban spin, explore Boston’s incredible parks, trails, and landmarks, including the Walking City Trail, a 27-mile route connecting Boston’s neighborhoods!

Walk a loop at Franklin Park, Millennium Park, Jamaica Pond, or venture into Boston’s Urban Wilds. Snap a New Year’s selfie at an iconic Boston spot and share it with us! Tag @BostonParksDept and use #MAFirstWeekHikes to join the fun.

1. See Boston's Holiday Lights - Take a walk downtown to see the lights on Boston’s parks and landmarks. Clockwise from top left: Faneuil Hall, Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common Trees, Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Christopher Columbus Park Trellis, and Boston Public Garden.
2. Explore the Walking City Trail - The 27-mile Walking City Trail connects 17 Boston neighborhoods, from the Neponset River Reservation to Bunker Hill Monument, weaving through scenic parks, urban wilds, gardens, and residential areas. Created in 2022 by dedicated Boston hikers, it offers a unique urban hiking experience. Hike the whole thing or explore one of four sections and be sure to tag @walkingcitytrail on IG and Facebook. Map: Boston Walking City Trail - Miles Howard
   
3. Boston Black Heritage Trail - Immerse yourself in the history of Black Boston by downloading the audio tour app or printable map, then visit the Partnership to Renew the Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial website to learn more about the contributions and legacy of Black Bostonians.

   

   Photo: Boston Museum of African American History

4. Walks for all ages and abilities from the Boston Age Strong Commission
   
   Outdoor walks are considered "age-friendly" because paths are smooth, free of stairs, and parking is nearby. These walks are great for people of any age, especially children, older adults, families using strollers, and those with mobility needs. Try getting outside for fresh air and movement right where you live.
   
   
5. Explore the Emerald Necklace
   
   The Emerald Necklace Conservancy provides an app with walking tours of the Olmsted-designed 1,100-acre park system. Fun fact: the park system gets its name from the way the planned chain appears to hang from the "neck" of the Boston peninsula. The Conservancy's website also has individual park maps of Franklin Park, the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond, Olmsted Park, the Riverway, the Back Bay Fens, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall / Public Garden / Boston Common.
   
   

    

Hungry for more? WalkBoston’s maps feature places that are wonderful to walk, easy to navigate, and convenient to get around. Each self-guided walk has a detailed route as well as distances and descriptions of sights and scenes. Boston Public Library’s research librarians keep an up-to-date guide to walking tours of Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville.

Let’s make 2025 a year of health, exploration, and adventure—right here in Boston!