Press Release   In Celebration of Pride Month, Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Return of DCR Pride Hikes for 2026 Season 

Boston — Continuing its mission of creating welcoming outdoor experiences for all communities, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced today the return of its Pride Hikes, a series of free guided walks through state parks happening across the Massachusetts during Pride Month. DCR will be leading hikes throughout June in partnership with Queer Men of the Berkshires (Q-MoB), the Stonewall Center at UMass Amherst, OUT MetroWest, and the Greater Boston and Franklin-Hampshire chapters of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).

The first of six hikes will begin June 14, with additional support of volunteers from Mass Audubon and RiverCulture. Each hike will be held at a different DCR property and vary in length, terrain and level of difficulty.

“Our public lands and open spaces belong to everyone, and our Pride Hikes are a chance to celebrate the beauty of our landscapes and of each other,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “We’re welcoming members of the LGBTQIA+ community, their families, friends, and allies into our parks to enjoy the outdoors together and strengthen connections to nature and one another. We’re grateful to our partners across the state for helping create welcoming spaces where people can celebrate Pride, build community and experience a sense of belonging." 

DCR Pride Hikes are organized in partnership with local and regional LGBTQIA+ organizations and community groups that help create welcoming opportunities for people to connect with nature and one another. 

"We so appreciate that DCR holds these annual Pride Hikes as a way to create an inclusive space for people to enjoy the beauty of nature,” said Genny Beemyn, director of the UMass Amherst Stonewall Center.  

Pride Hike participants are welcome to dress in Pride colors and are urged to bring necessary hiking supplies, including sturdy footwear, water, bug spray, and sunscreen. Hikes are subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required for any Pride Hike event. 

DCR is hosting Pride Hikes at the following properties: 

Great Falls Discovery Center 

2 Avenue A, Montague 

Sunday, June 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Connect with nature and community as we walk beside a historic canal. Learn about birds, beavers and local history along the way. This is a 2.6-mile hike on a flat, paved trail. Visitors will meet outside the Discovery Center’s main entrance before embarking. This program is co-sponsored by: River Culture, PFLAG: Franklin-Hampshire and Queer Men of the Berkshires. For more information, please call (413) 863-3221. 

Wachusett Reservoir 

Gate 39, located at the corner of Route 110 and South Meadow Road, Clinton 

Saturday, June 20, 7:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. 

Enjoy a summer evening on this walk with stunning views of the sunset overlooking the Wachusett Reservoir. We will start before sunset and return in twilight. Glowsticks will be provided to light up the path after the sun goes down. This 2-mile round trip is on flat grassy paths with an optional hill as we reach the Wachusett Dam. Visitors will meet at Wachusett Reservoir Gate 39, located at the corner of Route 110 and South Meadow Road prior to embarking. Parking is free. Dogs are not allowed. This program is co-sponsored by OUT Metrowest.  For more information call or text, (617) 352-4044. 

Mount Holyoke Range State Park 

1500 West Street, Amherst 

Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Join park staff for an easy-paced 2-mile hike on a moderate trail. Great for all ages, leashed dogs are welcome to join! Visitors will meet at the Notch Visitor Center before embarking. Participants not interested in hiking can explore the Notch Visitor Center for self-guided activities. This hike is co-sponsored by the Stonewall Center at UMass Amherst, Queer Men of the Berkshires and PFLAG: Franklin-Hampshire.  For more information, please call (413) 253-2883 

Riverfront State Park 

1 Eaton Street, Lawrence 

Saturday, June 27, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 

Celebrate Pride and connect with nature on this guided hike along the Merrimack River! This 1.75-mile trail is moderately rugged with some steep inclines and a mix of paved, unpaved, and wooden portions. Visitors will meet by the Bashara Boathouse at 1 Eaton Street before embarking. This program is co-sponsored by PFLAG of Greater Boston. No registration required. For more information, call (978) 794-1655. 

Douglas State Forest 

107 Wallum Lake Road, Douglas 

Saturday, June 27, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. 

After meeting at the Ridge Trail parking area, visitors will embark on an approximately 2.5-mile hike over a loose gravel surface with steep inclines. For the most up-to-date programming information, call (508) 278-7604 or visit bit.ly/blstupdates. 

Bristol Blake State Reservation 

108 North Street, Norfolk 

Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Participants will enjoy an easy 1.7-mile hike around Bristol Ponds and onto Stony Brook Pond. The hike will cover dirt trails and boardwalks with brief hilly portions. Free visitor parking will be available at Mass Audubon's Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. This hike is co-sponsored by Mass Audubon at Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.      

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