Looking for something to do New Year's Day?

A hike at Sleeping Giant State Park might be just the ticket.

"Start the new year off right by joining other outdoor enthusiasts at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden" at 1:30 p.m.  New Year’s Day "for a hike through one of Connecticut’s most scenic state parks," the state

Department of Energy & Environmental Protection said in a statement.

"The hike is being hosted by the Sleeping Giant Park Association (SGPA) and is free and open to the public," the statement said.  

The event also "is part of the nationwide initiative, “First Day Hikes” launched by the National Association of State Park Directors," the statement said. 

Before you go, check out this new book by a Guilford author that recounts "the legend behind the Sleeping Giant himself."

“America’s State Parks First Day Hikes” are occurring in over 400 state parks nationwide Jan. 1, the statement said. 

The hike at Sleeping Giant is the only one in Connecticut this New Year’s Day.  Directions to the park can be found here: www.ct.gov/deep 

“I can think of no better way to begin the new year than by going for a brisk hike with friends and family,”   DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Frechette said, also in the statement. “DEEP is delighted that the Sleeping Giant Park Association is hosting this hike and encourages everyone to take the opportunity to enjoy the day walking in the woods.”

The hike will begin at the bulletin board by the kiosk near the park entrance at 1:30 p.m. It will include two groups and will last about 1½ to 3 hours depending on which group participants choose, the statement said.

"The hike will involve traveling over uneven, rocky terrain, possibly with a degree of rock scrambling.  Hikers should be in good physical condition.  Dress warmly and wear comfortable, supportive shoes, with good traction," the statement said.

Participants are welcome to bring snacks and water.  Advanced registration is not necessary; however, minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult and have signed permission of a parent or legal guardian, the statement said. Please leave pets at home. 

"The 'sleeping giant' is a popular feature of the south central Connecticut skyline with two miles of mountaintop resembling a large man lying in repose.  A 1½-mile scenic trail leads to the stone observation tower on the peak of Mt. Carmel which provides an excellent view of Long Island Sound and the New Haven area," the statement said. 

(Also contained in the statement: The SGPA was formed in 1924 to acquire land on and around the series of ridges in Mount Carmel, Connecticut known as the Sleeping Giant for use as a state park.  SGPA is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to protect and enlarge Sleeping Giant State Park. The NASPD is devoted to helping state park systems effectively manage and administer their state park system.  The mission of the Association is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation's environment, heritage, health and economy.)

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed. Photo contributed by: Sleeping Giant Park Association