First Hike

First Day Hike Encourages People to Get Outside and Explore Their Community

December 19, 2018 (Salem, MA) — On January 1, 2019 the National Park Service, the City of Salem, Essex National Heritage Commission, Eastern National, and the Salem Historical Society invite locals and community members to participate in First Day Hike, a national initiative established by America’s State Parks to get people outdoors and connecting with places in their own backyards. This will be the fourth year that Salem community members have participated in First Day Hike.

This year’s hike will begin at 12:00pm at the National Park Service Regional Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street. David Moffat from the Salem Historical Society will lead the hike from the Visitor Center to Derby Wharf while providing a maritime-themed narrated history at points of interest along the way. After the hike warm up with refreshments sponsored by Eastern National at St. Joseph’s Hall, 160 Derby Street. This event is free and open to hikers of all ages.

“Start the New Year off by appreciating Salem’s past. Get out and enjoy your community during First Day Hike,” says Salem Maritime and Saugus Ironworks Superintendent Paul DePrey.

Essex National Heritage Commission CEO Annie Harris says, “Salem’s First Day Hike is a wonderful partnership that gets people outside and enjoying the rich heritage of their community. Don’t get cold feet at this chance to explore your own backyard!”

“This is a great way to start the New Year. I would like to thank the National Park Service for once again coordinating this initiative,” says Salem Mayor Kimberly Driscoll.

In 2018, close to 55,000 people from across the nation kicked off the New Year with a First Day Hike. While State Parks entice millions of visitors year-round, a First Day Hike in many states offers a family-friendly event with a unique perspective of what nature has to offer. America’s State Parks is the website host for First Day Hikes in 2019. Find additional information on hundreds of First Day Hike opportunities across the country at www.stateparks.org/

About Essex Heritage and the Essex National Heritage Area

Essex Heritage is the non-profit organization that manages the Essex National Heritage Area by developing programs that enhance, preserve, and encourage recreation, education, conservation and interpretation projects on Boston’s North Shore and the Lower Merrimack River Valley. The Essex National Heritage Area is comprised of the 34 cities and towns of Essex County, MA. For more information, visit EssexHeritage.org or call (978) 740-0444.