That was the goal of the “First Day Hikes,” a national event held throughout the country and for the first time ever, at the Forestville Hiking Trail.

The local Trail was open from 1 to 3 p.m. that day with hot cocoa, s’mores and a nice crackling fire to get warm, all to add to the festivities. And for those who wanted to celebrate further, a “New Year’s Day crown” was offered to all who came.

The event was officially opened by a long and loud blow on the New Year’s horn noise-maker initiating the start of the event.

The New Year’s Day hikers came, and with the hopes of possibly 50 hikers participating, the Trail Team from Imagine Forestville who organized the event, were happy to learn that 80 people came that day to enjoy New Years Day on the trail!

These photos, submitted by Aimee Rogers, highlight a day on the Forestville Hiking Trail.

Carol Woodward, Vice President of Imagine Forestville, commented, “It was great meeting new people from our area that we would not have had the opportunity to meet if not for the New Year’s Day hike!”

The best rewards were the encouraging comments from the hikers. Comments like “When is the next hike?” “It is a beautiful Trail!” “We will be back in the summer!” “I’ll be back next New Year’s Day.” “Thank you for having this event!” One child of the age of 6 who frequents the trail with his family said, “I love hiking my Trail!”

“The day went great! Everyone enjoyed the fun and each of those who ‘worked,’ enjoyed it too!” said Aimee Rogers, President of Imagine Forestville.

Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the beauty of our area, to the Imagine Forestville Trail Team and to the Town of Hanover Board for allowing us to hold this event.

These photos, submitted by Aimee Rogers, highlight a day on the Forestville Hiking Trail.