- Department of Conservation & Recreation
Media Contact
Peter Jasinski, DCR Press Secretary
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is encouraging families and residents to follow their holiday meal with a free, guided “Gratitude After Gravy” hike on Friday, November 28. The program, formerly known as “Go Green on Black Friday,” is in its 17th year and includes staff-led hikes ranging from one to four miles at DCR properties in Amherst, Andover, Boston, Falmouth, Lanesborough, Sterling, Taunton, and Turners Falls.
“Regardless of how you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, it is a time to reflect, give thanks, and appreciate the beauty in the world around us,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Gratitude After Gravy hikes are a great way to celebrate with loved ones in nature.”
DCR recommends “Gratitude After Gravy” hike participants dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water. Inclement weather, rain, snow, or icy trail conditions may cancel hikes. Participants should contact the park for confirmation that a hike will be taking place. Additional details, including locations, difficulty, length, terrain, and age recommendations can be found on DCR’s Gratitude After Gravy Hikes website. Participants are encouraged to share photos of their hiking experience on social media and by tagging @MassDCR.
All hikes will be led by DCR staff, who can provide information on each park, including its local history and environment. There are no parking fees at the properties where hikes are being held. All hikes will be held on Friday, November 28, with the exception of the hike planned for Wachusett Reservoir, which will be held Sunday, November 30.
Visitors can also choose from a variety of DCR recommended self-guided hikes located throughout Massachusetts at DCR's watersheds, and at Harold Parker State Forest in Andover.
Additionally, DCR will open the majority of its Boston ice rinks for public skating on Friday, November 28. Skating rinks opening for the season are Emmons Horrigan O'Neil Memorial Rink in Charlestown, Steriti Memorial Rink in Boston, Devine Memorial Rink in Dorchester, Murphy Memorial Rink in Boston, Bajko Memorial Rink in Hyde Park, and the Reilly Memorial Rink in Brighton. The Kelly Outdoor Rink in Jamaica Plain is scheduled to open on Sunday, December 13, weather permitting. For more information visit the DCR ice skating website.
Gratitude After Gravy hikes are hosted at the following parks:
Belle Isle Marsh, 1399 Bennington St., Boston
10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Take a leisurely 1-mile stroll around one of Boston's last remaining salt marshes, known for being a natural oasis in the heart of the city. Participants will have the opportunity to spot some of the local birds, learn about the reservation's diverse habitats, and enjoy time outdoors with others.
Massasoit State Park,1362 Middleboro Ave, East Taunton
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Skip the Black Friday crowds and enjoy a 4-mile moderately paced hike through the trails of Massasoit State Park. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. To confirm in case of inclement weather, call (508) 272-9376.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Quashnet River Trailhead, Martin Rd, Falmouth
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join us for a walk along the Quashnet River during the holiday weekend. We will look for fish, listen for birds and other wildlife as we walk the 2-mile loop. Easy to moderate walk with some small hills. Great for ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Get outdoors the day after Thanksgiving and connect with nature and local history on a leisurely walk along the Canalside Rail Trail. The walk is about 3-miles, on a level paved surface, makes for an easy stroll for adults and children ages 8 and up.
Mount Holyoke Range State Park, 1500 West St., Amherst
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Join park interpreters for a 3–4-mile guided hike at Mount Holyoke Range State Park. Choose an easy/moderate or moderate/hard route. Along the way interpreters will share insights on the park’s natural and cultural resources.
For more information, please call (413) 253-2883.
Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This 2-mile hike follows an easy forested trail with lots of fun features to discover! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Trekking poles advised. For additional information and to pre-register for this event, please call the Visitor Center at (413) 499-4262.
Harold Parker State Forest, 305 Middleton Rd, Andover
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Consider taking a self-guide hike on the beautiful trails of Harold Parker State Forest. Recommended for children ages 7 and up. It is approximately a 3-mile hike on moderate trails. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Harold Parker State Forest.
Wachusett Reservoir, Intersection of Route 110 and Chace Hill Rd, Sterling
Friday, November 28 and Sunday, November 30, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Explore the Wachusett Reservoir and its fall scenery on a 4-mile guided hike. The moderate hike features hills, roots, and rocks and will be a slow pace. Bring water and trekking poles. Dogs are not allowed. To check status of the hike, please call (617) 352-4044.
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Media Contact
Department of Conservation & Recreation
The health and happiness of people across Massachusetts depends on the accessibility and quality of our natural resources, recreational facilities, and great historic landscapes. DCR continues to improve the vital connection between people and the environment.