On New Year’s Eve, Ilse Dunbar will be tucked in bed early to prepare for an invigorating hiking adventure on January 1st. Rising at 4:30 a.m., Dunbar is determined to maintain her tradition of kicking off the new year with a challenging hike, believing it helps set the tone for the months ahead. As a resident of Rumford, she has a noteworthy goal for 2026, aiming to complete the “grid” in the White Mountains of New Hampshire—a feat that requires summiting all 48 of the region’s 4,000-foot mountains across all 12 months. Dunbar, just 28 peaks away from her target, exudes confidence, stating, “I’m going to finish it. There’s no doubt.”
Many Mainers echo Dhunbar’s sentiment, as they embrace the new year by opting for outdoor activities. Across the country, state parks offer free events to encourage individuals to begin January with an adventurous spirit, whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a more demanding ascent.
For her New Year’s hike, Dunbar and her husband plan to tackle the windswept slopes of New Hampshire’s Mt. Garfield, which stands approximately 4,500 feet tall. She emphasizes the emotional relief that hiking provides, stating, “You’re focusing only on where you’re putting your feet, where you’re putting your hands. All the day-to-day worries are gone.” Prioritizing safety, Dunbar meticulously packs the “10 essentials,” including a headlamp, extra clothing, and a first aid kit. She also indulges in a thermos filled with hot cocoa for the summit, adding a personal touch to her hiking experience.
Maxim Higgins, 28, from Auburn, is another Mainer with hiking aspirations for the first day of the new year. As a seasoned hiker who has conquered some of the tallest peaks in the region, he plans to take a gentler route this year, choosing to hike Bradbury Mountain while carrying his 10-month-old son. Despite a slower hiking pace due to fatherhood, Higgins looks forward to creating lasting memories outdoors with his family. He reflects on how hiking has transformed his life, providing clarity since he achieved sobriety in 2019, saying, “Hiking saved me from myself.”
Charlotte Clews, 50, from Blue Hill, shares a heartwarming tradition of hiking Cadillac Mountain with her daughters to witness the first sunrise of the year. A social worker and Registered Maine Guide, Clews cherishes the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities rather than succumbing to screen time during her days off. With years of trekking experience, she emphasizes that the most daunting step for families is simply getting out the door. She encourages aspiring hikers to celebrate the act of beginning their journey, no matter how small.
Maine state parks also roll out the welcome mat for those looking to ring in the new year on the trails. Admission is free on January 1, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of self-guided and organized hikes across several locations including Bradbury Mountain and Camden Hills State Parks. The Bureau of Parks and Lands has planned guided walks featuring naturalists who will share insights on winter wildlife adaptations. Activities include scenic hikes with beautiful views, warm beverages at the start and finish, and the chance to explore the stunning Maine landscapes.
This New Year’s Day, Mainers are set to embrace the outdoors, create new traditions, and tackle the trails, reinforcing a collective commitment to health, adventure, and the joy of nature.