If you are one of the many Americans estimated to have eaten thousands more calories than necessary on Thanksgiving, then the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation has a plan for you.
“For those seeking to get a little exercise following the Thanksgiving holiday, DCR’s ‘Go Green on Black Friday’ hikes provide an excellent opportunity for everyone to get outside and enjoy nature with friends and family,” said Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Doug Rice.
DCR is offering a number of free, guided hikes on Friday, beginning at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., depending on location.
“There are almost a half million acres of state park land that are out there for people like you and me to enjoy,” DCR Interpreter Amy Wilmot told the Herald.
Residents may have good reason to hit the trails after their Thanksgiving feasting, according to the Calorie Control Council.
“Did you know that the average American may consume more than 4,500 calories and a whopping 229 grams of fat during Thanksgiving?! You heard that right — 4,500 calories! And sadly, those figures only include snacking and the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, not breakfast or late evening munching,” that agency says on their website.
If that sounds like you, then the details of the hikes are below.
Blue Hills Reservation, Milton, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., moderate hike, 3 miles. Meet at the Houghton’s Pond Visitor Center. Inclement weather may cancel. For more information call 857-208-8494.
Harold Parker State Forest, North Andover, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., moderate hike, 2 miles. Organizers say “pouring rain, snow, or ice cancels.” Meet in the parking lot at 305 Middleton Rd; parking is free. Call 617-828-1728 for more information.
Borderland State Park, North Easton, 1:00 p.m. to 3 p.m., “mostly flat,” 4 miles. For adults and older children; leashed dogs welcome, rain, snow, or icy trails cancels. Hike is free; there is a $5 per MA-plate vehicle and $20 per out-of-state-plate vehicle fee. Meet at the Visitor Center at 259 Massapoag Ave. in North Easton. More info call 508-238-6566.
Great Falls Discovery Center, Turners Falls, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. leisurely hike, level paved surface, 3 miles. The walk will begin at the front entrance to the Great Falls Discovery Center, weather permitting. Connecticut River Greenway State Park, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA. Call 413-863-3221 with any questions.
Nasketucket Bay State Reservation, Mattapoisett, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., moderate hike, 3 miles. Best for ages 10 and older, weather may cancel. Meet at the main gravel parking lot on Brandt Island Road in Mattapoisett. For more info or in case of questionable weather, call 508-272-9376.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Falmouth, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., leisurely hike but includes a steep hill. Meet at 131 Waquoit Highway, Falmouth, 508-457-0495 for more information.
