The year begins anew in just a few days and while most of us resolve to “do better” with the turning of the calendar, we often give up too easily and fall back into our old, comfortable patterns.

The Massachusetts DCR offers a remedy for this pattern when it comes to exercising by inviting the public to “step into the New Year with a First Day Hike!”

The trick to developing new, healthier habits that you can stick with is baby steps, not giant leaps. If it’s been awhile since you last exercised, aim to take a walk around your block on your first few attempts. Enjoy breathing in the fresh air, reacquainting yourself with your neighbors and perhaps start a trend! Or throughout the year, head over to the walking paths at Ipswich River Park, which is open from dawn to dusk. The paved loop around the playing fields is about a half mile with additional paths on the passive side, near the river. A walking group for all abilities meets at the gazebo near the park’s main entrance twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 9 a.m.

For those up for a bit more of a challenge, DCR offers free First Day Hikes, most of them with guides, at its numerous state parks ranging from one mile to up to five miles; most average two miles.

Thirty-three years ago, Massachusetts originated the First Day Hike on January 1, 1992 when 380 people gathered at the Blue Hills Reservation. Today, according to the DCR website, all 50 states offer First Day Hikes at their respective state parks.

Below is a sampling of the available New Year’s Day hikes. Whether exploring your own neighborhood or taking a day trip to another corner of our commonwealth, resolve to make 2025 the year that you discover the beauty of the outdoors in Massachusetts!

NORTH

Harold Parker State Forest – 10 a.m.

305 Middleton Rd., North Andover: 2-mile hike; meet at Berry Pond Beach. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Harold Parker State Forest.

Breakheart Reservation – 10 a.m.

177 Forest St., Saugus: 2- or 3-mile hike, two trail options; meet at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Breakheart.

Halibut Point State Park – 10 a.m.

4 Gott Ave., Rockport: 3-mile hike; meet in the parking lot, 9 a.m. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Halibut Point State Park.

Walden Pond State Reservation – 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (self-guided)

915 Walden St., Concord: under 2-mile hike; start at Walden Visitor Center.

SOUTH

South Cape Beach State Park – 10 a.m.

668 Great Oak Rd., Mashpee: 1- to 2-mile hike; meet at visitor center. Co-sponsored by Friends of Waquoit Bay.

Blue Hills Reservation – 12 p.m.

840 Hillside St., Milton: Meet at Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center at 11 a.m. Two guided hikes and one self-guided hike at 12 p.m. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Blue Hills and Trailside Museum. Parking and space are limited; no parking outside DCR property.

BOSTON

Pope John Paul II Park Reservation – 10 a.m.

Hallet St., Boston: 1-mile hike; meet by the kiosk at Hallet St. entrance. Co-sponsored by the Neponset River Greenway Council.

CENTRAL

Dunn State Park – 10 a.m.

289 Pearl St., Gardner: 1.5-mile hike; meet at Pond House. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Also: An accessible hike at Dunn State Park – 11 a.m.

Co-led by DCR’s Universal Access Program and All Out Adventures. Register by noon on Dec. 31 by calling 413-584-2052 or emailing programs@alloutadventures.org.

Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center – 10 a.m.

3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester: 5-mile hike; meet at the visitor center. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park – 10 a.m.

287 Oak St., Uxbridge: 1.5-mile hike; meet at River Bend Farm Visitor Center. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Pearl Hill State Park – 10 a.m.

105 New Fitchburg Rd., Townsend: 2-mile hike. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Wachusett Reservoir – 11 a.m.

167 Temple St. (Rte. 140), West Boylston: 2.2-mile hike; meet at Gate 22 at 10 a.m.

WEST

Great Falls Discovery Center – 1 p.m.

2 Avenue A, Turners Falls: 3-mile hike; meet at the Great Hall. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center

Chester Blandford State Forest – 10 a.m.

631 U.S. Route 20, Chester: 2-mile hike; meet at Sanderson Brook Falls parking lot. Co-sponsored by the Western Mass. Hilltown Hikers.